Moot Point Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The 334 came to RVJ because the Maritime Museum
> folks had no place to store it. Remember, both 94
> and 334 were supposed to be part of the Project X
> transportation museum in San Francisco.
>
> As for the 94, it came to RVJ because the right
> people knew when and who to ask for it.
>
> Yes, there was a certain amount of “we have it and
> you don’t” genitalia waving after the fact by some
> people at BAERA, directed toward Sacramento. That,
> in large measure, is why the 94 was not invited to
> Railfair in 1981, even though she was in steam at
> the same time.
>
> On to modern day: the 94 needs a sugar daddy to
> properly fund a restoration. The truth of the
> matter is that the last real work was done by the
> WP in 1949. No one really knows what may be the
> condition of the boiler shell. All told, it
> probably would take a million or more to make it
> steam again. It is not impossible, but not any
> kind of project at RVJ now or in the future.
> Best scenario is the locomotive under cover and
> out of the elements. BAERA won’t be giving it up.
>
> As to the 334, it isn’t in as bad a shape as some
> have made it out to be. But, it isn’t going
> anywhere without a secure future. If restoration
> is a goal, it needs a railroad to run on. Not just
> a small section of track. And possible custodians
> need to show a plan of action to be considered.
>
> No fanboy train fantasies.
>
> Sacramento has projects for lifetimes. Portola
> likewise, projects needing funding and planning.
>
> Reality always wins out.

Both of your posts were quite insightful, although I assure you that there were quite a few people for whom the 712 was not "unwanted" (and I'm quite familiar with how it was acquired).It made quite a sight running around coupled to the WP 917, although a lot of that happened on the sly. It is interesting to note the hypocrisy of getting rid of some non-electric items and not others, such as the 94 and the Pullmans, but that's because they appealed to certain persons in power. I've pretty much gotten over it, but I can't help but reflect how helpful a number of those engaged, enthusiastic members who were driven away could be today, when volunteers are few and far between.