John: I suppose I should let Dick answer for himself, but...
The 36 was one of only two shorties still in existence at that time, so it was in demand for preservation. IRM tried to acquire it, but the funds could not be raised soon enough. The railroad held onto all of the 450's, hoping some other line might buy them. When this didn't happen, Gerry Brookins was the only person who had the resources to acquire four of them. The 460 was used on some of the last fan trips and was maintained in good condition.
David: Exactly! For the 460, we should only have to wait a week. The 36 will take much longer, and there's a good chance it will be repainted in some other scheme.
Now I just have to dig out my Rolleiflex or my Speed Graphic!
In semi-related news, I was reading an old issue of Trains Magazine, from the 1960s, complete with a letter to the editor from Dick! It's a small world!
Did he know that these cars were going to be preserved when these photos were snapped? Or was this coincidence?
ReplyDeleteJohn Csoka
IRM Western Division
When the 460 and 36 are painted, we'll have to do a "now" photo with Dick in the same poses.
ReplyDeleteJohn: I suppose I should let Dick answer for himself, but...
ReplyDeleteThe 36 was one of only two shorties still in existence at that time, so it was in demand for preservation. IRM tried to acquire it, but the funds could not be raised soon enough. The railroad held onto all of the 450's, hoping some other line might buy them. When this didn't happen, Gerry Brookins was the only person who had the resources to acquire four of them. The 460 was used on some of the last fan trips and was maintained in good condition.
David: Exactly! For the 460, we should only have to wait a week. The 36 will take much longer, and there's a good chance it will be repainted in some other scheme.
Now I just have to dig out my Rolleiflex or my Speed Graphic!
ReplyDeleteIn semi-related news, I was reading an old issue of Trains Magazine, from the 1960s, complete with a letter to the editor from Dick! It's a small world!