J Mann,

Thank you for your comment of understanding. These are hard choices and we try to make the best decisions we can. Thankfully, it appears that Western Rail will not be heavily modifying the engine, so it will endure for now.

But this points to a need almost all museums I know of face: if you want to see something saved or restored, support their efforts, either with assistance or funds or both. If something is being deaccessed from one organization and you think the museum your support would benefit from saving that piece, make your voice heard and support them with money and / or help.

Right now, the FRRS is in the midst of replacing injectors and seals on many of our locomotives to ensure they operate well with the newer fuels and lubricants. Several of our members and other WP fans have been quite generous in supporting this effort to keep these engines operable and well maintained. This is a large project, but will pay dividends for years. In addition, we have the WP 165 steam engine nearing operation, lots of work going on with our archives, WP SW1500 1503 being prepped for a repainting and WP F7A 917-D preparing for heaving mechanical and cosmetic work in 2019. This is all possible because of the support we have received from our members and visitors to the museum.

Thank you!