UP GP30 849 was previously owned by Doug Morgan. He received it as part of a settlement concerning several related legal issues concerning rent owned to the FRRS. The same settlement gave the FRRS full ownership of WP business car 106, the "Charles O. Sweetwood" as well as several other pieces of equipment. The 849 had never been a smooth running engine, having issues when the FRRS acquired it.

As part of the settlement, Mr. Morgan was required to move the engine from Portola within, If I recall correctly, 1 year. Over 5 years later, the engine remained on either FRRS or UP trackage (was moved depending on yard needs) and the UP was not being paid any storage fees.

The UP finally pressed the issue with Mr. Morgan and demanded the engine be moved of a clause in the settlement reverting the engine to FRRS ownership (as mentioned in the Board minutes) would be enforced. Deadline came and went and UP requested the FRRS remove the engine from their property. Following this (and the Board minutes quoted above), the FRRS obtained legal verification that the terms of the settlement were not met and that ownership of the engine now lay with the Society. Around this time, Mr. Morgan passed away and his heir was given the impression that his estate still owned the locomotive. After some discussion, ownership was confirmed with FRRS.

As the engine does not fit the FRRS mission and needed large amounts of work, the decision was made to deaccess it. It was offered to several museums, but none were interested. Finally, Western Rail purchased the 849 for repair and use. They have been working with FRRS members and their own people to get the engine interchange legal so they can move it to their shops and complete its repair work.

Eugene Vicknair
Director - FRRS