Grant Leslie Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> 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.
>

Mr. Leslie-- With all due respect, "believe what you may" .. My information comes from noted PNW historian/author Warren W. Wing as well as an NP publication that mentions "Ron Nixon" as one of the leaders of the preservation effort. All was going well until the 2626 was suddenly diverted to South Tacoma Shops for its date of destiny with an Ox-Acetelyne tank and hose..

By the way: What do those initials stand for ?? (P.S.R.H.A.)

KRK
> 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