With apologies for cross-posting, thought this was something somewhat timely that would be appropriate here and might be of interest to those who read and post:
Given the relative scarcity of the MLW C630 (There are only about 2-3 others left IIRC) perhaps the M&E could be persuaded to gut the unit (ex CBNS 2029) for parts but leave it intact externally for preservation purposes? Could make a little tax writeoff if donated to a museum or other nonprofit, I'd imagine. If anyone else has similar thoughts or knows of any such thoughts within the M&E itself or within any preservation organizations, please share! There are only a handful of 6-motor Alcos/MLWs safely preserved, but a fair number of them are still either running or rusting here in the northeast-IMHO the time is now to start thinking ahead about how to make sure at least one example of each 630/636 model or major variant left to this world ends up in safe, caring hands. We Alco fans in the northeast have a golden opportunity on our hands right now, between the 2029, the active DL units, the LA&L units, and the NYS&W units- we should enjoy them now; but we should also take steps to ensure that when the bell eventually tolls for these beauties, some of them can enjoy their days in retirement as memorials to their fallen sisters, nostalgia for those who knew them, and time machines for those who were too late. If we wait until the dismantler's truck pulls up, it will be too late. Our Canadian friends have already preserved a small handful; but in the US, I know of only two 6-motor Centuries that are safely preserved.
Ok, I'll get down off my soapbox; but I do think that collectively, northeastern Alco/MLW fans have on their hands, or will at some time in the not unforseeable future, a unique opportunity that will be lost forever if we don't think ahead. It could be done by a few who each give a lot, or by a lot who each give a little (be it planning, dollars, or elbow grease); but it could certainly be done IF the plans are made and the cooperation is there.
Right now I'm just throwing this out in hopes that others will agree and thoughts will begin to jell. But I will also say that if it can be done, count me in for logistical assistance, modest financial input, and plenty of elbow grease!
Given the relative scarcity of the MLW C630 (There are only about 2-3 others left IIRC) perhaps the M&E could be persuaded to gut the unit (ex CBNS 2029) for parts but leave it intact externally for preservation purposes? Could make a little tax writeoff if donated to a museum or other nonprofit, I'd imagine. If anyone else has similar thoughts or knows of any such thoughts within the M&E itself or within any preservation organizations, please share! There are only a handful of 6-motor Alcos/MLWs safely preserved, but a fair number of them are still either running or rusting here in the northeast-IMHO the time is now to start thinking ahead about how to make sure at least one example of each 630/636 model or major variant left to this world ends up in safe, caring hands. We Alco fans in the northeast have a golden opportunity on our hands right now, between the 2029, the active DL units, the LA&L units, and the NYS&W units- we should enjoy them now; but we should also take steps to ensure that when the bell eventually tolls for these beauties, some of them can enjoy their days in retirement as memorials to their fallen sisters, nostalgia for those who knew them, and time machines for those who were too late. If we wait until the dismantler's truck pulls up, it will be too late. Our Canadian friends have already preserved a small handful; but in the US, I know of only two 6-motor Centuries that are safely preserved.
Ok, I'll get down off my soapbox; but I do think that collectively, northeastern Alco/MLW fans have on their hands, or will at some time in the not unforseeable future, a unique opportunity that will be lost forever if we don't think ahead. It could be done by a few who each give a lot, or by a lot who each give a little (be it planning, dollars, or elbow grease); but it could certainly be done IF the plans are made and the cooperation is there.
Right now I'm just throwing this out in hopes that others will agree and thoughts will begin to jell. But I will also say that if it can be done, count me in for logistical assistance, modest financial input, and plenty of elbow grease!