I posted recently about the theft of the Pyle-National headlight unit off the tender of 1727. A few years ago the whistle was sawn off, the bell ringer removed and other pieces taken. Up to then the locomotive was fairly intact, so much so that we were able to pressurized the boiler with air and blow the whistle, run the air compressor, spin the dynamo, and even cycle the reverse gear motor (didn't try the brake system) back in 1976.
Now, as with other displayed engines, "enthusiasts" and metal scroungers are "liberating" parts left and right. Some of the thefts are suspiciously parts hunters for their projects or private collections, others are just metal scavenging. The advent of powerful battery operated saws, etc. makes this a much easier and quicker activity. The remote location of most displays (remote in that no occupied homes are nearby to hear the activity)just makes this an easier thing to do.
There is some in Dunsmuir who want to take down the fence(put up after the first year on display when (even then) vandalism was occurring)to give people greater access to the engine so they can "experience it" better. There is a certain person pushing this idea (whose first name is the same as mine, but otherwise will remain nameless) who has great sway with the folks in Dunsmuir. I've been fighting this idea up to now; but maybe it is a good idea. Why? Because the stripping of 1727 can and WILL happen much faster, and maybe she can be put out of her misery quicker as she becomes a real eyesore and the scrapper will be called in to remove it.
It really pains me to watch what is happening to an engine that was very restorable (nearly new tires on her, lots of "meat" on the rod bearings, etc.) a few years ago becoming more and more a derelict. Back in 1957 putting her on display was an idea to honor the steam era crews and shops, which were quickly being demolished, but no one then understood the effects sitting out in the weather over years, and the vandalism would have on such a display. Even the ties under her are starting to fail, and eventually she will have to be moved to replace them--that is likely when her days will be over, as there is not the money nor the manpower left in Dunsmuir to do such a project. They have been struggling for years just to try and paint 1727. As we are more than a generation removed from the steam era, 1727s relevance to the present citizens is minor. Maybe it is time to say "Farewell old friend, you have served us well>"