I had a pleasant hour meeting today, with Chad Mowery, General Manager, of the Central Maine and Quebec Railroad. We spoke in his office, and while I am reporting back our discussion, in no manner do I speak for the CM&Q Rwy., Mr. Mowery, or other officers.
Regarding observation car 107, former Northern Pacific "Spokane Club": The railroad wants it off the property. They are aware of the historic role played by the car, but have no interest in running passenger excursions using it. The car is owned by a gentleman from Quebec, but his agreement to remove it has long expired. An extension has been granted to move it, but nothing has come of it. There are several other people expressing interest to purchase the car, including one organization in the region. The railroad is willing to entertain all proposals. Nobody has come forward with a hard plan, backed with dates, and showing financial ability to follow through. To see the car preserved, CM&Q will sell it for $1.00, but removal must be guaranteed.
The same arrangement goes for the remaining passenger cars on a siding at Derby shops. $1.00@, provide a removal plan, and they're yours. It would appear the interest from Canada has waned, on these vehicle.
Considering the cars are roller bearing equipped, and attached to live rail, I'd say the price is remarkably fair. Getting them moved has been and seems to remain, the fly in the ointment
Bangor & Aroostook F3A #502 - This is official- CM&Q is very much aware of the historic value of the locomotive. It needs minor work and traction motors, but under no conditions will it be scrapped. The company will protect and keep the locomotive in storage indefinitely. Should a potential buyer make a bid that is worthy of the locomotive's value, it would probably be reviewed, but not necessarily accepted. The CM&Q takes some pride in having this particular unit in the fleet, albeit in storage.
Regarding observation car 107, former Northern Pacific "Spokane Club": The railroad wants it off the property. They are aware of the historic role played by the car, but have no interest in running passenger excursions using it. The car is owned by a gentleman from Quebec, but his agreement to remove it has long expired. An extension has been granted to move it, but nothing has come of it. There are several other people expressing interest to purchase the car, including one organization in the region. The railroad is willing to entertain all proposals. Nobody has come forward with a hard plan, backed with dates, and showing financial ability to follow through. To see the car preserved, CM&Q will sell it for $1.00, but removal must be guaranteed.
The same arrangement goes for the remaining passenger cars on a siding at Derby shops. $1.00@, provide a removal plan, and they're yours. It would appear the interest from Canada has waned, on these vehicle.
Considering the cars are roller bearing equipped, and attached to live rail, I'd say the price is remarkably fair. Getting them moved has been and seems to remain, the fly in the ointment
Bangor & Aroostook F3A #502 - This is official- CM&Q is very much aware of the historic value of the locomotive. It needs minor work and traction motors, but under no conditions will it be scrapped. The company will protect and keep the locomotive in storage indefinitely. Should a potential buyer make a bid that is worthy of the locomotive's value, it would probably be reviewed, but not necessarily accepted. The CM&Q takes some pride in having this particular unit in the fleet, albeit in storage.