J.K. Trowling Wrote:
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> Del Monte Burns Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Lot of interesting cars and engines.
> > Wonder what condition they are in.
> > Some were refurbished for Pullman Rail
> Journeys.
> > What is market like considering AMTRAK
> > restrictions on private moves and state of
> > economy.
> > Hope they don’t end up being scrapped.
>
> A long-time excursion operator has viewed a good
> deal of the equipment and reports that the vast
> majority is in terrible shape. The prices being
> asked are insanely high for the condition of the
> equipment. And these aren't preservationists
> trying to sell this stuff. They are creditors
> screwed over by Ed Ellis who want their money
> back. How they were dumb enough to even get
> involved with the guy is another discussion.
>
> The market for historic equipment is completely
> oversaturated, and just about every tourist
> operation out there is likely to have their worst
> revenue year in , if they can survive.
>
> Much of this equipment is going to wind up
> scrapped. Many buffs saw Ellis as the second
> coming, but he's going to wind up being
> responsible for the largest single scrapping of
> historic passenger equipment in ages.

I would imagine the cost of hiring someone to inspect and make all this stuff roadworthy and acceptable to the Class I's for interchange will be prohibitive....especially if they have to be moved for scrapping.

The scrap market is at a all-time low right now and I doubt if anyone can afford to pay for them plus the cost of cutting them up and break even.

Sammie