Hi David,

Great hearing additional stories about 1215. I was the lead in getting her from Portola, working with Rod M, Norman, and Eugene. Years later, I am now the curator at History Park so I get to see her everyday.

A unique characteristic of 1215 is her front cab windows were never plated over, a very rare situation for SP 0-6-0s. Look closely at the image, the headlight, bell and whistle are replicas. Her originals and other cab jewelry are safely stored...we did not want to take any chances until she is in an enclosed facility! The only item kept by Portola was her hydrostatic lubricator which was needed for the WP 165 restoration. As you have noted, she is in good condition for an outdoor display locomotive and a restoration to operational running...we can always say "someday". Our organization has our hands full restoring 2479 at the county fairgrounds and securing a formal railroad museum location.

For now, 1215 is in a good display location coupled with the OSH boxcar and Mopac caboose. The display can be seen by hundreds passing by on a busy street. History Park visitors are always admiring her and she is a part of the museum's programming.

Ken Middlebrook
Board Member, California Trolley and Railroad Corporation
Curator of Collections, History San Jose