Guys;
As many of you know I'll be on the Trains Unlimited February 2001 trip to Guatemala.
Some have asked me to stay a little longer and go to Escuilita (sp?) and see what's left of the mallets. Chris Skow, who runs Trains Unlimited, tells me an SV group, a few months back, went all over the Guatemala rail line and their conclusion is that there ain't nothing left. Another great loss. (However, there are many outside frame 2-8-2s and a 2-8-0 that would enjoy coming to one of the NG lines in the U.S. Even though they are not indigenous to the SV, NCNG, SPNG, EBT, D&S, nor the C&TS would any of these lines give them a home if they became available at their doorstep?
Therefore, On my February trip I won't be looking for the mallets, that by most indications no longer, sadly, exists. Given the aforementioned...
why not turn our attention (and resources) to importing American built overseas engines or something we, collectively, can do. (Operative word is collectively, hard focusing) So here goes my proposal:
1. Can we get the complete construction drawings of 251 et.al.? If so-- where?
2. If yes, why not ask the Chinese (TaTong) Locomotive Works, or the Swiss, or British, anyone...what would be the cost to produce one? (Checkout Steam Unlimited web site for steam locomotive manufacurers.)
3. And, if the D&S and C&T (anyone else) also would order one (or more) then the cost per engine would dramatically drop.
4. Yes, this takes some coordinating,planning, and financial adjustments but, gentlemen, we are approaching the time when we will need some new steamers that incorporate modern metallurgy and contemporary designs.
5. Do you prefer them as a 2-6-6-2Ts or with detachable tenders.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
regards
pat in phoenix
