Re: NP 2626 Timken at Portland 1933
Author: Grant Leslie
Date: 03-18-2011 - 19:50
At the risk of stirring up a bit of controversy, I would like to present a bit of second-hand information re the NP 2626. About 1980 I was told by a "high official" of P.S.R.H.A. that he had actually seen a letter in their archives wherein Northern Pacific offered to donate the 2626 to that organization. This person then went on to say that he had seen the P.S.R.H.A. reply turning down the offer, since the big 4-8-4 did not fit into their philosophy of collecting equipment related only to logging and short line operations.
I have never had reason to doubt what I was told. Perhaps all these years later the letters still exist in the archives of that organization (or its successor if they have changed their title / identity). I believed back then and still believe that the N.P. made a good-faith effort to preserve the 2626, and that she was not saved due to lack of a suitable organization to accept and display her. Comments, corrections and amplifications are most welcome. Respectfully,
Grant Leslie