The engine is owned by the new mechanical, steam and shop lead Stathi Pappas (don't know the fancy title)formally of Mt. Rainer Scenic. It basically is a fill in like you say to jump start long dormant, forgotten, and under looked after steam in Snoqualmie. There probably,needs to be, an arrangement to run the engine and use the Locomotive in exchange for storage and shop access since it is a privately owned piece of equipment at a Museum. It probably helps in raising money and awareness, and attracts the steam groupies, to work on the Museum owned engines. As far as a N.W. engine and museum mission not any connection except as above.