Many thanks to John Trie, Steve Peck, Jerry Huck and others for the continuing response. We now have wonderful new information and photos, which likely would not have been offered if it were not for my "stinging reference" to "fit it". There was no intent to harm or criticize the organization beyond what was offered to me years ago directly from the shop boss. Long after the fire, I called from back east and spoke to I believe, per my notes, John Edris. He gave me a damage report, but in ending, added that he nearly had no helpers, nor supporting experiences from most members. Adding that the younger crew of members just wants to come and run but not fix or rebuild.
It sure now sound great that likely these members have matured more and have extended their focus into working on the Lima #3345 and other items. Now with new boiler rules, and lot of work need to be done over so all will be right for long term life of the engine.
Also, to justify my "stinging remark", it resulted with just the results intended, to stimulate informational reples (that would have never been offered otherwise) on the real status of the engine. (Real data in very hard to find on the engine). I was the most knowledge person of what was taking place over my 5000 miles of railroad territory I managed by placing "leading statements and questions". In order to make quick decisions on problems, you need to know all of what is happening out there and work hard to learn that information, even from ones who don't intend to give it.
My posting did just that without any real damage to a fantastic organization, which has a gigantic collection of wonderful steam equipment. Besides railroad of three gauges, there are many other steam boiler machinery, sawmills, light plants, steam cranes, stationary engines. Plus a large collection of steam tractors, and many other items in a list too large to type here.
Regarding Elliott Donnelley (1903-1975). He was a "strong spoke in the wheel of development" of the society. He was the Chairman of the Board from 1968 to 1975 and helped very generously in acquiring land and machines. He was the single person who bought the Hines Lbr. Co. #7 and moved it to his Black Hill Central RR. On 7/8/1970 he moved it to LaPorte, IN and then donated the engine to the Society. Credit to all those the helped in rebuilding the engine, displayed in a rare Train Magazine study of the project.
Best Wishes for success on rebuilding the Shay and Sincere Thanks from the author of the most history researched and published about the engine.
ost 1947 SVRy