Negative on the house. I live in Winterport, about 50 miles north of Waterville. The 470 made it's last run throught the entire state, so she's really an artifact of the state, but placed in the city's hands for preservation (butterfingers). Maine Central's big shops were located there, so it was appropriate.
I notice there have been no responses from the "Friends of 470" in this forum. I take it that they are not getting cooperation or struggling to get the funding Mr. Brown expected. So far I've seen a website and a public celebration that happened on the hottest Saturday in July, with little public after-effect.
She's a beautiful heavy Pacific and what happens in the next few years will determine her ultimate fate. Since the "Friends of 470" aren't giving the appearence of positive movement, perhaps it should be donated to Steamtown. It would at least she some attention from people who recognize her value. Or...the city of Waterville could turn to somebody who is willing to make this a fulltime commitment and get the funding through granting agencies. I spoke to the City Engineer only once, back in November, 2004, when he shut me out, and he hadn't a clue as what to do with the locomotive. At the time he wanted to put it on the track and fire it up. He had not the slightest concept of what the project involves. My guess is he still is overwhelmed by his own ignorance.
"We no take-a gasoline. We no take-a airplane. We take-a steamship! And that friends, is how we fly to America! - Chico Marx