Re: Big Boy #4018

I do believe that a script was written, or at least an outline. On the former website were some storyboards made from the script.
I talked with Danny Bishop once, he mentioned that he had contracted Frank Darabont (Shawshank Redemption) to write it. What I'm saying is, there may be a script out there somewhere.
On paper, this was a really good idea. The movie, if it had gone forward, could have landed a 20 to 30 million dollar budget without much fuss. Shelling out 5 million to restore the "star" of the movie would have been fine.
Using new faces, and fresh tallent the movie could have been made on such a modest budget.
Not to mention all the "free" publicity that would have rained off the project.
It really should have been a cakewalk for Bishop.
Worst case senerio should have had the 4018 under go full cosmetic restoration and be "helped" through the filming of the movie with a smoke generator in the smokebox. The profits of the movie could have been funnled back to complete the restoration.
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This was a huge blow to both the railway preservation world and to Hollywood.
Museums all over the country are starting to get tough (and rightly so) on these studios who need to rent equipment for films.
The Sierra railroad has been shafted many times, but still takes what money it can get, and does get the ocassional honest deal.
Nevada County Narrow Gauge #5. Owned by Universal Studios, on lease to Nevada Coutnty Narrow Gauge & Transportation Museum. The NCNG&TM wants to restore the engine. Universal didn't want them to touch it, despite deterioating condition.
The bore of the engine had been taken out a couple of inchs over the years, no liners, just kept putting in thicker piston rings.
Hollywood dosen't care about preservation, they want the money. Don't ever be fooled to think other wise, because they will try to convince you.
For the film "Wild Wild West" the studio was to restore the 2-4-0 they loaned from the CSRM. It got a new coat of paint on top of the old one.
For anyone who may deal with a movie outfit:
1) Signed contracts explicitly stating what will and will not be done to the equipment.
2)Money up front.
3)Someone will surpervise the equipment at all times.
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