Re: Sorry, No Deal, 2-8-8-2 SV-Uintahs

James:
Has anyone done a study on the costs, run the numbers?
Let's say CIF + other costs.
Here goes...
Cargo: 1 steamer + tender US$8,000 FOB Pacific Port
Handling: US$500 (loading on ship and securing it)
Insurance: US$300
Freight to U.S. Pacific Port: US$5,000
Handling: US1,000
Import duties; none (made in the U.S., scrap metal)
Trucking to wherever: unknown.
Total: US$14,800 + the unknown trucking.
Say US$15,000 to US$16,000.
Don't sound too expensive to me.
Any established group, even as small as the NCNG and C&C could do it. Just form a committee, set aside some seed money and send someone down.
Any determined group could come up with that.
Once you got one in, the second and third would be easier.
There is so much stuff rusting in Central America I figure they'd throw in a few cars just to grease the deal.
Now here's a thought: they could rebuild the engine to operational condition for another US$5000 to US$10,000 so by the time it arrived in Baker, Chama, Laws, Nevada City, or Durango it's almost ready to strut her stuff. What an attraction, what a draw.
Next best thing is to order a new one (2-6-6-2T Uintah?) from China or Europe and now we're talking real money (US$100,000 just to start).
regards
pat in phoenix