Re: Museum Trashing- PLA
Author: Joe Mann
Date: 04-10-2008 - 15:41
Gunner X Wrote:
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> The Niles Canyon RR......while an ex-SP mainline operation,
> their stuff is really mostly CA logging &
> shortline.
Gunner,
I have to disagree about your comment about the PLA collection. While it is true that most of our steam locomotives are former logging and shortline, but we do have SP1269 (0-6-0) and SP2467 (currently on loan to the CSRM) in our collection. Our diesel collection is very representative of main line operations - mostly Southern Pacific. In an earlier thread you mentioned that you would like to see black widow SD9 and GP9 in photo freights. We have these locomotives in our collection and do run photo freights for members. We also have operational WP F7 918, WP GP7 713 and SP NW2 1423 plus are working on getting former SP ALCO S6 #1218 running. We have a growing collection of operational heavyweight cars, mostly SP, for passenger operations and specials and are working on making a 1941 articulated Daylight coach operational.
As far as us not being a museum, we are working on it. We have plans to develop a museum in Niles and are currently spending a large amount of available funds doing grading and trackwork to get the first stage started. We have come a long way in the 20 years we have been in Niles Canyon. Not bad for an all volunteer operation that has gotten to where we are at with almost no public funds (the Hearst connection was via a TEA grant).
Joe Mann
Pacific Locomotive Assn.