I've gotta make a Argument for N&W 578. That blasted little Pacific deserves the world, it worked the line that ran through my home town pulling passenger trains twice a day, Over 100 miles of track, twice a day, from the mid 40s, all the way up until the end of steam on the N&W, infact it was one of the last Steam locomotives that ran on N&W's network period. And she is the last of her kind, the last of the N&W E2 Pacific's, and the last of the N&W Pacific's in general.
7:52 Actually, Cotton Belt 819 can also be considered a cousin of 4449, since the L-1s were based on the GS-1s and the SP was the parent company of the Cotton Belt.
Yeah, The NYC is marred by what he did not to save any steam locomotives especially the Hudsons. It is an unfortunate fact but one everyone has to accept
I think one locomotive that needs serious assistance is C&O 614, This 4-8-4 on that railroad called a Greenbrier is currently owned by enterpriser and steam entrepreneur Ross Rowland who is a man best known for launching the career of numerous locomotives including engines such as Reading 2101 and Southern Pacific 4449 and unfortunately has been sitting on display much to the disdain of preservationists and some railfans. It was supposed to be used for the Presidental Express that was going to run between Washington DC and Clifton Forge VA but was cancelled due to setbacks so if it needs a new home now is the time because the engine cannot be sitting there rusting away
Yes. What engine would replace N&W 611 in excursions once her flue time runs out in 2030? I can't think of a better candidate than C&O 614. She's Virginian and a 4-8-4.
@gharrison2595 The answer now is NYC 3001 which is being restored for Indiana Rail Experience and will be the only New York Central engine running in operation
Two significant gaps in preserved, operating U. S. steam locomotives are a 4-8-2 and a 4-6-4. Any of the Mountain/Mohawks mentioned would be good. There are several CB&Q Hudsons preserved as outdoor displays along former Burlington trackage in the Midwest that might be candidates for restoration to operation.
There are also no operational 4-4-2s in America, other than on miniature railroads. I'd prefer an Atlantic to be restored over a Pacific (e.g. ACL 1504), Mikado (GTW 4070), Berkshire (C&O 2716), or Northern (NC&StL 576, RDG 2100). The larger the engine, the more limited your choices are in where to run the engine. For example, it's been over 2 years since ATSF 2926 (a HUGE Northern) has been restored, and she hasn't run any excursions yet.
@@gharrison2595 True. Atlantics ended passenger service relatively early, like by the end of the 1930s, which is probably why there are very few left. I can't think of one in a museum offhand. Most of them were not suited to anything other than passenger service, had fairly high drivers and didn't have a lot of capacity for pulling a significant freight train.
@@paulw.woodring7304 Several 4-4-2s are preserved, some at museums, some not. One example, PRR 7002, used to run on the Strasburg Railroad in the 80s, but it's thin firebox was a hazard for continued operation of the engine. The RR Museum of PA owned the engine and didn't want to make any major alterations to the engine, so now the engine sits permanently on static display.
@@gharrison2595 I forgot about the PRR one in Strasburg. Again, I think every existing one is over 100 years old now, so they are unlikely candidates for restoration to operation.
The PRR engines that are outside at RRMPA, including 6755, to my knowledge, are slated to be placed in the new roundhouse that is to be constructed on the property. I could be wrong, but I believe that is true
I've heard that too but I think it's a issue with money and bureaucracy. I know for a fact the B6 shunter at the museum is in the process of getting a cosmetic restoration. But its also one of the smaller locomotives they have.
As a UKist, I would LOVE to have a resurrected 'Lady", Br Class 46 026 to the prosaic, "Leicestershire and Derbyshire Yeomanry " to the long-winded. There is a couple of 46 in preservation, but she was the only named one and the most loved of the class.
5021 and 9000 will or can never run again because they are 3 cylinder engines so they probably can’t handle shorter curves (and getting out of the Fairgrounds)
If it was me, I'd add CPR 3101 and 5935. 3101 is in a deeply degraded state in Regina, while 5935, the last CPR steam locomotive built, is the apex of steam technology in the Great White North. Both of them deserve a new life.
Wonder how restoration would be on this. Would it be less or more expensive to get an electric loco back up and running? I know it's transformers would need replaced for sure.
Chesapeake and Ohio 2755, a 2-8-4 K-4 "Kanawha" (which Darkness can never pronounce correctly) currently on static display in Chief Logan State Park outside of Logan, West Virginia. Yes, it happens to be the one locomotive that is in preservation that is near me.
I am happy to see 2 commenters already with WM202 on their lists. I feel very motherly to 202 and Big 6 Shay being the only existing steam locomotives of the WM. While 734 and 1309 are wonderful adoped daughters the originals need to be preserved and operational.
I met the OWNER of 4460 when I went there in 2023, he had a couple favorite engines but 4460 is his baby, he loves that engine. I asked him about restoring it and obviously he said hed love for that to happen, he stated the only reason they dont is because he said they wouldn't be able to find enough people to volunteer...which I think is ridiculous. He let me in her cab tho, absolutely untouched, he said maybe 5 people have been in it since she parked on the museum grounds, it was amazing
Great video! Showing a lot of Blast from the Past of steam locomotives. I would love to see more of those steam engines deserve to be restored and run again soon.
Here are my top 15 American locomotives I want to restore in the future. 1. All 7 big boys 2. UP 3977 3. Reading 2101 4. Cotton belt 819 5. Texas and Pacific 610 6. Norfolk and western 1218 7. Southern 1401 8. Santa fe 2925 9. Chesapeake and Ohio 614 10. CB&Q 4000 11. CN 6218 12. NKP 759 13. Frisco 1522 14. All 4 frisco 4500 class Northerns 15. NYC 6718
I think if 614 is to come back Ross Rowland needs to make up his mind if the locomotive cannot sit at the Greenbrier Resort that has caused controversy among preservationists, If 614 is to run again it needs a new home not being a static display
I have recent photos from October of last year of PRR 6755, she is still residing outside of the museum but closer to the building and behind PRR 3750. Hopefully they'll gather the funds to actually be able to restore her cosmetically sooner than later.
@@AaronVideoPortfolio It helps that I have deep family roots in Frostburg, MD and I grew up visiting the WMSR a couple times a year my entire childhood lol. 202 may not be able to pull long trains, but she has more tractive effort than the two CP pacifics that used to run that line!
Well C&O 614 needs help as well. Best thing that happens to it is that Ross Rowland sells the engine and focuses on his AFT so that way it ends the whole controversial stigma over his actions
The Museum of Transportation has one steam locomotive already that ran, Frisco 1522. She wasn't cheap. Having the other two up and running would be herculean for that little museum. I remember going and seeing all of them growing up. They've got quite the collection.
C&O 701 “The Merry Widow” or “Tojo”. She’s the last Hocking Valley locomotive in existence and she also got to shine as a passenger locomotive from 1940 to 1952 hauling C&O, PRR and NYC sleepers up the Hot Springs Branch to the Homestead Resort. She started out in Clifton Forge, VA coupling up to combine 458 (preserved as well), a C&O sleeper or 2 and maybe a PRR or NYC sleeper as well. Put maybe a coal hopper or 2 for the Homestead Resort boiler house and a caboose on the rear. Then head up the C&O main for about 13 miles to Covington, VA and hop onto the Hot Springs branch for the remaining 25 miles. Do some switching, turn 701 and return to Clifton Forge.
Aside from the PRR T1 and P2 Mikado being worked on and the Sans Pareil replica being safer to operate than the preserved original; Brighton and South Coast Railway E2 battery powered (makes sense since the original coal powered designs were small shunting locomotives), GWR 111 The Great Bear, Fowler's Ghost based on later fireless designs, Santa Fe 3000 Double Decapod, B&O N-1 Emerson 4-4-4-4, GE steam turbine as a hydrogen train, LNER A2, some older British Rail diesels (like BR Class 41 Warship), PRR Q2, PRR K5, LMS 6399 Fury / 6170 British Legion as a hydrogen locomotive, AA20 as a duplex or articulated, Baldwin Centipede, and GE P30CH as a lighter weight four axle design. While the PRR GG1 isn't extinct, the modern versions would need a different power system.
Last I heard/saw the penn rail museum was looking to build a roundhouse for the outside engines and they had some structural beams outside when I was there 2 years ago.
Over here in the UK, if money and everything else was no problem, I would say my choice would be LNER E4 number 490. As a 2-4-0 tender locomotive it is one of the most unique locomotive in the UK, and whilst she is well looked after by the Bressingham Steam Museum, it would be lovely to see her pulling trains again.
On this list, I think PRR 6755 has the best chance of actually being restored, at least cosmetically. It's true that the Railroad Museum of PA has a lot of equipment outside simply because their indoor space is crammed full. However, while exposed to the elements, I don't think they're uncared for. The removal of the boiler jacket on 6755, for example, I think was part of an asbestos removal project (asbestos being in the boiler lagging for many steam locomotives of the era) rather than due to weather deterioration. The museum did a wonderful job of restoring PRR 460 (aka the Lindbergh Engine) from a similarly-distressed state a few years ago (as a shorter-wheelbase Atlantic, it was easier to fit inside the museum). The museum does have plans to build an enclosed roundhouse around its existing turntable to house the outdoor collection, but seems to be taking its sweet time in fundraising for it.
paulw.woodring7304 is right! Smithsonian said no to Southern railway to restore 1401. I wish Southern should have preserve more than just one 4-6-2 like two or more, so Southern could have restore one!
@@davidstrawn9272Southern was another railroad that Dieselized early and didn't save very many steam locomotives. Several of the ones that do exist (like Mike 4501) had been sold to other railroads and preserved from those railroads. Pacific 1401 was saved because it had been used on FDR's funeral train out of Warm Springs, GA in 1945.
I Agree! Problem with me too---is money, or lack of it! A couple of other engines I would like to see running again, are C&O 2789, in N/ Judson, IN.; Pere Marquette 1223 in Grand Haven, MI: GTW 6325 at the AOS Roundhouse in Sugar Creek, OH, and the NKP763!
I live in amarillo texas and my father helped start the amarillo railroad museum. We were going to move the madame queen out there and build a building for her but never did because of cost. We also have the Pantex nuclear train aka “the white train”. My neighbor when I was a kid was the engineer for the madame queen as well.
The Swedish TGOJ M3t No. 71 comes to Mind. It is one of the last surviving Steam Turbine Locomotives (the others happen to be more M3t preserved in the very same Museum), and it used to be operational until some 20 odd Years ago. To my Knowledge, there are some Restoration Efforts going on to get it operational again, but Progress has been worryingly stagnant over the last Years.
As for the locomotives at the Museum of Transportation, restoration for them is unfortunately very very unlikely as the museum really doesn’t have the time or money to take on such a project. As for what you said about 4460s possible restoration being a rumour is absolutely true, the museum has no plans in the present or future for any restoration of 4460.
Any of the remaining Great Northern locomotives, in their beautiful Glacier Park Green color scheme. In particular there is a 4-6-2, 1355, that is in very good condition and just underwent an extensive cosmetic restoration recently.
For me being Australian 1: A² 995 and 996, they played a part of the last Broad Gauge era "Spirit of Progress" 2: R700, mainly because it's the class leader 3: S300 and S301 (both Streamlined and Non-Streamlined) and put both on Standard Gauge
I'd personally restore NP 1356 (which resides in my hometown) and run her on the Bitterroot spur. I know where to acquire the passenger cars for a potential tourist/heritage railroad I'd love to have
If I could make any addition to this list, it would be SVRy 20. She sits outside, in the lot behind the main shops at the SVRy, awaiting at least some cosmetic work. She's been overshadowed by her sister 19, which got restored to operation *despite the fact that 20 was in overall better condition than 19 when they brought the two back.* The SVRy has ~$11k saved up for her restoration, but that money was acquired over the course of more than *30 years.* That's less than $500 per year. She is, despite having sat in the open since being brought back, still in overall better condition than 19. Her boiler meets FRA requirements, her running gear is complete, her tender is complete with no leaks, all she needs is a new cab, *WHICH THEY ALREADY HAVE CONSTRUCTED!* 19 can't run right now because of a poorly done patch on her firebox that was put in after a wreck during her time on the WP&Y, her running gear is heavily worn, her boiler barely meets FRA standards, and yet she gets to run while her sister sits, languishing outside, hidden from the public eye in the very back of the yard. SVRy 20 deserves better. Restoring her to operation would cost less than getting 19 running again. But no, the old heads there are still adamant that 19 is the better of the two and that it's more important to keep her running. She's the favorite child, and 20 is the forgotten sibling that never gets the attention she deserves.
For me, I want to see CNR 6167 or 6213 or both restored and used for Niagara Falls excursion trains from Toronto. These trains operated by GO are already extremely tourist oriented and very popular. Imagine adding a working steam locomotive to the mix!
Two things: 1) 1:37 not all Niagras were scrapped. See, there were Niagras built for the national Railways of Mexico, or N de M, and there are a fair number of those preserved. But no New York Central ones, but technically not all the Niagras in existence were scrapped. 2) N&W 2050. That is my child and I know it's possible. It just would take TONS of money
You are correct that NdeM called their Alco built 4-8-4s “Niagaras” but they are completely different designs. The NdeM 4-8-4s are among the smallest of that type ever built.
One thing I would like, since we’re getting a from scratch PRR T1, could we get a from scratch NYC Hudson? That would be splendid. Also I believe railroad museum of Pennsylvania is building a roundhouse to put those outdoor locomotives indoors
Long time listener first time caller. If I ever win the lottery one of my first phone calls will be to you to finance a steam locomotive restoration facility and heritage railway, a man can dream!
That is actually more likely to happen if you DON'T play the lottery. Just being seen at the gas station buying lottery tickets is enough to keep you from inheriting something you otherwise would have inherited. That's poor stewardship of money right there!.
I'd definatley restore the GSR(I) b1a/ 800 class no. 800 Maedhbh (Pronounced Mave for those who don't speak Irish). She's the largest 4-6-0 in Europe. Need I say more?
I'd like to see CN U4a 6400, a streamlined 4-8-4 Northern (or Confederation) run again. It's currently indoors at the National Museum of Science and Technology in Ottawa. It's the only U4 that survived the scrapper. CN had 5 U4a locomotives, 6400-6404 and its US subsidiary GTW had 6 nearly identical U4b engines, numbered 6405-6410.
If someone had money I feel like 5632 could have a chance due to the smaller size that Pacifics have thus could run on a decent amount of lines Everything else in the list is so big that finding solid homes for them could be a challenge. There are plenty of smaller engines though that if given money would have a chance due to the smaller size and thus easier to run different places. Such as the other Frisco decapods that are around, some of the multiple ten wheelers around as well
3001 had the closest chance over a decade ago to being restored when the folks that owned Milwaukee Road 261 were looking to restore that locomotive since it looked like they were not going to be able to work out a deal to lease or own Milwaukee Road 261 from the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin. But two things happened, first is the 261 group did get permission from the NRM to hold on to 261 and second, The Mayor of Elkhart refused to the idea of wanting to let the engine leave Elkhart and this has a good point however. 3001 is the Center Piece of the National New York Central Railroad Museum and to see it go would no doubt have left an empty hole in it. But then again though, having 3001 steamed up would take A LOT of work.
Aside from the Hudson, there's also the Niagara, Norfolk and Western Y6B, Western Pacific GS-64, LNER J70, BR Standard Class 6, Southern Pacific AC-11, C&O T1, PRR J1, Florida East Coast 4-8-2 Mountains, and Milwaukee Road F7 4-6-4.
3 cylinders are a maintenance nightmare! I would like to see one in operation in America, but if there is a 2-cylinder steam engine that can pull a heavy passenger train, I think the railroad would take that engine over any 3-cylinder engine.
I would like to add the C & O 1306 2-6-6-2 "Mallet" which has been on static display since 1962 in Huntington WV, a Wikipedia page has more information
For me i would restore steam locomotives (at least American ones) to operational condition. Here's my list. PRR K4 No.3750 NYC Mohawk No.2933 UP No.4466 (oil conversion) T&P No.610 DT&I no.45 PRR I1 no.4483 PRR E6 no.460 WM no.202 PRR No.520 And IC no.2500 (Now i can count more but to keep it short).
I would restore the Nederlandse Spoorwegen 3737. It was damaged because it was fired up too fast, and her frame bent. It is the only large steam engine that survived, and one of the few engines left (and only single large steam one) from Werkspoor (famous factory that made locomotives in The Netherlands).
There was a user (Cockroach2008) back in the early 2010s that was constantly demanding that all the remaining steam locomotives must be scrapped. Was he really the ghost of Alfred E. Perlman?
I live in amarillo my grandfather actually was a fireman on the 5000. As for the city selling Her that fell through due to public outcry that they wanted to sell her to an out of state buyer instead of the historical society that does their best to keep her up. The city also is the reason the museum never got built around her.
I'd 100% restore Canadian Pacific 5935, one of two Selkirk (canadian Texas type) in existance and the commonwealth's largest steam locomotive. Not too mention they were built here in my home town of Montreal at Alcos Canadian sub divisio MLW (montreal Locomotive works). I would adore to see that old beast run again, would be incredibly impressive.
I vote for the US Army S160 (I'm aware you don't like it). Those engines were built to be disposable, yet lasted WAY longer than predicted (by years in some cases). There's one still in US Army Transportation Corps paint on static display and everything!!
Unlike many of the locos in this video, there are other S160s in operating condition, like #GreatSmokeyMountainsRailroad1702 in North Carolina and #AlaskaRailroad557 in Alaska, not to mention at least 3 S160s in the UK.
I actually only have 3 that I would personally restore, which, all have run in the "Recent" past. SP 2248: Get her the hell away from Grapevine because they clearly do not know how to properly operate and maintain her, Plus I grew up riding behind her. Honestly I think taking her back to the Texas State Railroad would be much, much better for her. Santa Fe 1316 (TSR 500): Apparently the TSR doesn't have any "Current" plans to restore her, but again, she's one I grew up riding behind as a kid in the 90's. T&P 610: Not only did she also pull the American Freedom Train, but she had a rather nice career in Southerns steam program until her firebox issues took her out of action. TSR does a wonderful job keeping her indoors and protected, but I'd give anything to restore her and have her running once again.
8:24 i would love to see her famous cousen tow her to a the place were she can get restored then when she is fully working have her and her cousen double head the freedom train as her first time on the mainline to stretch her wheels and be toghether with her family member
SP 4294 and UP 9000 would be on my list, other ones Madame Queen, GT5632 and either one of the NYC or PRR Mountains are a good pick. One non steam locomotive which I would like to see running again is the UP Big Blow, although that will be very difficult as her heart is pulled out, the gas turbine, not sure if any of these gas turbines still exist. More realistic would be the FT or EA with the original Winton engines being brought back to life.
This needs a part 2!
Me personally, I’d say a Hiawatha
I've gotta make a Argument for N&W 578.
That blasted little Pacific deserves the world, it worked the line that ran through my home town pulling passenger trains twice a day, Over 100 miles of track, twice a day, from the mid 40s, all the way up until the end of steam on the N&W, infact it was one of the last Steam locomotives that ran on N&W's network period.
And she is the last of her kind, the last of the N&W E2 Pacific's, and the last of the N&W Pacific's in general.
I agree, the people in Worthington, Oh. will not part with it. Jerry Jacobson tried to buy it, no sale. It belongs at the VMT in Roanoke.
Which line was this?
7:52 Actually, Cotton Belt 819 can also be considered a cousin of 4449, since the L-1s were based on the GS-1s and the SP was the parent company of the Cotton Belt.
And several of 819’s siblings were leased by the SP and re-classified as SP GS-7 and GS-8.
Mohawk thing aged well. Fesability test coming soon!
Whoever restores the NYC one will be forever haunted by Aflred E's ghost 😂
Darkness don't fear perlman and his chainsaw
All you’ll hear is doom music and a chainsaw 😂🤣
@@Hikarii349claytor's ghost: OH NO YOU DON'T PEARLMAN!
Yeah, The NYC is marred by what he did not to save any steam locomotives especially the Hudsons. It is an unfortunate fact but one everyone has to accept
@@Voucher765 Dont forget The NYC Niagaras
I think one locomotive that needs serious assistance is C&O 614, This 4-8-4 on that railroad called a Greenbrier is currently owned by enterpriser and steam entrepreneur Ross Rowland who is a man best known for launching the career of numerous locomotives including engines such as Reading 2101 and Southern Pacific 4449 and unfortunately has been sitting on display much to the disdain of preservationists and some railfans. It was supposed to be used for the Presidental Express that was going to run between Washington DC and Clifton Forge VA but was cancelled due to setbacks so if it needs a new home now is the time because the engine cannot be sitting there rusting away
Literally the first locomotive I thought of. It is one of a kind plus it's green.
Yes. What engine would replace N&W 611 in excursions once her flue time runs out in 2030? I can't think of a better candidate than C&O 614. She's Virginian and a 4-8-4.
Sooooo about that 614 is getting work done to it
@gharrison2595 The answer now is NYC 3001 which is being restored for Indiana Rail Experience and will be the only New York Central engine running in operation
Two significant gaps in preserved, operating U. S. steam locomotives are a 4-8-2 and a 4-6-4. Any of the Mountain/Mohawks mentioned would be good. There are several CB&Q Hudsons preserved as outdoor displays along former Burlington trackage in the Midwest that might be candidates for restoration to operation.
Like CB&Q 4000 Aeolus.
There are also no operational 4-4-2s in America, other than on miniature railroads. I'd prefer an Atlantic to be restored over a Pacific (e.g. ACL 1504), Mikado (GTW 4070), Berkshire (C&O 2716), or Northern (NC&StL 576, RDG 2100). The larger the engine, the more limited your choices are in where to run the engine. For example, it's been over 2 years since ATSF 2926 (a HUGE Northern) has been restored, and she hasn't run any excursions yet.
@@gharrison2595 True. Atlantics ended passenger service relatively early, like by the end of the 1930s, which is probably why there are very few left. I can't think of one in a museum offhand. Most of them were not suited to anything other than passenger service, had fairly high drivers and didn't have a lot of capacity for pulling a significant freight train.
@@paulw.woodring7304 Several 4-4-2s are preserved, some at museums, some not. One example, PRR 7002, used to run on the Strasburg Railroad in the 80s, but it's thin firebox was a hazard for continued operation of the engine. The RR Museum of PA owned the engine and didn't want to make any major alterations to the engine, so now the engine sits permanently on static display.
@@gharrison2595 I forgot about the PRR one in Strasburg. Again, I think every existing one is over 100 years old now, so they are unlikely candidates for restoration to operation.
A worthy list. 7, 22, 35, 49, 61, 50. There are your Mega Millions numbers Darkness. I look forward to riding behind Madam Queen.
The PRR engines that are outside at RRMPA, including 6755, to my knowledge, are slated to be placed in the new roundhouse that is to be constructed on the property. I could be wrong, but I believe that is true
I've heard that too but I think it's a issue with money and bureaucracy. I know for a fact the B6 shunter at the museum is in the process of getting a cosmetic restoration. But its also one of the smaller locomotives they have.
you are correct, the roundhouse is still in the process of fundraising rn
Next video suggestion: 5 Extinct Locomotives You'd Resurrect.
He should add the NYC Hudson, Niagaras, N&W Y6Bs, Southern Pacific MT-4s, and Union Pacific Fetter/Early/Original Challengers.
For that one id say in my case would be a specific model of the CNJ G-3 pacific's and number it 834.
@@AmityBlightAndSP4449Fanthere’s at least 1 y6a still around… barley😢
Timken Four Aces.
As a UKist, I would LOVE to have a resurrected 'Lady", Br Class 46 026 to the prosaic, "Leicestershire and Derbyshire Yeomanry " to the long-winded. There is a couple of 46 in preservation, but she was the only named one and the most loved of the class.
Personally I'd say of the allegheny SP 5021/UP 9000 , SP 4294. N&W 1218 and a NYC Mohawk
5021 and 9000 will or can never run again because they are 3 cylinder engines so they probably can’t handle shorter curves (and getting out of the Fairgrounds)
For me it would the B&O P7 George Washington, It currently resides in Baltimore and needs to stretch it's legs on maybe the CSX if it's possible
@@Voucher765 No crap. Definitely! And it’s the last one standing.
If it was me, I'd add CPR 3101 and 5935. 3101 is in a deeply degraded state in Regina, while 5935, the last CPR steam locomotive built, is the apex of steam technology in the Great White North. Both of them deserve a new life.
I'm surprised you (and the commenters) haven't mentioned the various GG1 locomotives that still exist (but aren't running).
Wonder how restoration would be on this. Would it be less or more expensive to get an electric loco back up and running? I know it's transformers would need replaced for sure.
@@MK-of7qwthey’re full of PCB and asbestos
We all thought 3001 wouldn't return. But we were all proven very wrong
It is great that they are giving 3001 the chance to return to working order at the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society.
Chesapeake and Ohio 2755, a 2-8-4 K-4 "Kanawha" (which Darkness can never pronounce correctly) currently on static display in Chief Logan State Park outside of Logan, West Virginia. Yes, it happens to be the one locomotive that is in preservation that is near me.
The Kentucky Railroad Corp are restoring the 2716 still and could use the donations! 😅
I am happy to see 2 commenters already with WM202 on their lists. I feel very motherly to 202 and Big 6 Shay being the only existing steam locomotives of the WM. While 734 and 1309 are wonderful adoped daughters the originals need to be preserved and operational.
Definitely agree with you on the NYC Mohawks
I definitely agree with the NYC Mohawks and SP 4460 being restored to operation. They are truly magnificent locomotives.
Well, at least one of em are coming back
I met the OWNER of 4460 when I went there in 2023, he had a couple favorite engines but 4460 is his baby, he loves that engine. I asked him about restoring it and obviously he said hed love for that to happen, he stated the only reason they dont is because he said they wouldn't be able to find enough people to volunteer...which I think is ridiculous. He let me in her cab tho, absolutely untouched, he said maybe 5 people have been in it since she parked on the museum grounds, it was amazing
Do you think it would cost more to restore 4460 or 1522?
Seriously? Hell, I WOULD VOLUNTEER 😑
Great video! Showing a lot of Blast from the Past of steam locomotives. I would love to see more of those steam engines deserve to be restored and run again soon.
Here are my top 15 American locomotives I want to restore in the future.
1. All 7 big boys
2. UP 3977
3. Reading 2101
4. Cotton belt 819
5. Texas and Pacific 610
6. Norfolk and western 1218
7. Southern 1401
8. Santa fe 2925
9. Chesapeake and Ohio 614
10. CB&Q 4000
11. CN 6218
12. NKP 759
13. Frisco 1522
14. All 4 frisco 4500 class Northerns
15. NYC 6718
I think if 614 is to come back Ross Rowland needs to make up his mind if the locomotive cannot sit at the Greenbrier Resort that has caused controversy among preservationists, If 614 is to run again it needs a new home not being a static display
I approve of Frisco 1522 being on there. ;)
I have recent photos from October of last year of PRR 6755, she is still residing outside of the museum but closer to the building and behind PRR 3750. Hopefully they'll gather the funds to actually be able to restore her cosmetically sooner than later.
frisco 1522, grand trunk western 6325 , cp 2317 , nkp 170, and T&P 610 are my top 5 trains I like to see run
I have many, but if I had to narrow down my top 5:
1) WM 202
2)SP 4294
3) PRR 6755
4) NYC 3001
5) SP 4460
Ah WM 202! I see you are a man of culture! She is high on my list too!
Good to see WM 202 is getting some attention
@@AaronVideoPortfolio It helps that I have deep family roots in Frostburg, MD and I grew up visiting the WMSR a couple times a year my entire childhood lol. 202 may not be able to pull long trains, but she has more tractive effort than the two CP pacifics that used to run that line!
@@09JDCTrainMan The Western Maryland is probably my favorite line. So naturally their last remaining mainline locomotive would top my list lol.
Well C&O 614 needs help as well. Best thing that happens to it is that Ross Rowland sells the engine and focuses on his AFT so that way it ends the whole controversial stigma over his actions
My thoughts exactly about NYC Mohawks being restored to operating condition now that is a sight I love to see alongside with NKP 765
The Museum of Transportation has one steam locomotive already that ran, Frisco 1522. She wasn't cheap. Having the other two up and running would be herculean for that little museum. I remember going and seeing all of them growing up. They've got quite the collection.
C&O 701 “The Merry Widow” or “Tojo”. She’s the last Hocking Valley locomotive in existence and she also got to shine as a passenger locomotive from 1940 to 1952 hauling C&O, PRR and NYC sleepers up the Hot Springs Branch to the Homestead Resort. She started out in Clifton Forge, VA coupling up to combine 458 (preserved as well), a C&O sleeper or 2 and maybe a PRR or NYC sleeper as well. Put maybe a coal hopper or 2 for the Homestead Resort boiler house and a caboose on the rear. Then head up the C&O main for about 13 miles to Covington, VA and hop onto the Hot Springs branch for the remaining 25 miles. Do some switching, turn 701 and return to Clifton Forge.
You are in luck that New York Central 3001 is finally getting the chance of returning to operation again. Even if you already know.
Omg you should do a video about rebuilding extinct trains but making them better.
Aside from the PRR T1 and P2 Mikado being worked on and the Sans Pareil replica being safer to operate than the preserved original;
Brighton and South Coast Railway E2 battery powered (makes sense since the original coal powered designs were small shunting locomotives), GWR 111 The Great Bear, Fowler's Ghost based on later fireless designs, Santa Fe 3000 Double Decapod, B&O N-1 Emerson 4-4-4-4, GE steam turbine as a hydrogen train, LNER A2, some older British Rail diesels (like BR Class 41 Warship), PRR Q2, PRR K5, LMS 6399 Fury / 6170 British Legion as a hydrogen locomotive, AA20 as a duplex or articulated, Baldwin Centipede, and GE P30CH as a lighter weight four axle design.
While the PRR GG1 isn't extinct, the modern versions would need a different power system.
We need a new Hudson streamliner!
Last I heard/saw the penn rail museum was looking to build a roundhouse for the outside engines and they had some structural beams outside when I was there 2 years ago.
Me personally. I would pick Southern Pacific 4294 That would be one beautiful site to see in today's world.
If only he’d know what would happen with NYC 3001 6 months later…
I want to restore a Yellowstone locomotive
Good choices!
i totally agree also Please also fire up Mountain Thunder # 734 That Belongs to The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad,12:41
Over here in the UK, if money and everything else was no problem, I would say my choice would be LNER E4 number 490.
As a 2-4-0 tender locomotive it is one of the most unique locomotive in the UK, and whilst she is well looked after by the Bressingham Steam Museum, it would be lovely to see her pulling trains again.
On this list, I think PRR 6755 has the best chance of actually being restored, at least cosmetically. It's true that the Railroad Museum of PA has a lot of equipment outside simply because their indoor space is crammed full. However, while exposed to the elements, I don't think they're uncared for. The removal of the boiler jacket on 6755, for example, I think was part of an asbestos removal project (asbestos being in the boiler lagging for many steam locomotives of the era) rather than due to weather deterioration. The museum did a wonderful job of restoring PRR 460 (aka the Lindbergh Engine) from a similarly-distressed state a few years ago (as a shorter-wheelbase Atlantic, it was easier to fit inside the museum). The museum does have plans to build an enclosed roundhouse around its existing turntable to house the outdoor collection, but seems to be taking its sweet time in fundraising for it.
Mechanically, I'd argue for 520 (just because of a boiler explosion the locomotive had in 1942)
Southern 1401, S&A 750, A&WP 290, SAL 544 and TVRM 610
Just forget SR 1401. The Smithsonian built the Museum of American History around the locomotive. It's not going anywhere. Be glad it's safe.
paulw.woodring7304 is right! Smithsonian said no to Southern railway to restore 1401. I wish Southern should have preserve more than just one 4-6-2 like two or more, so Southern could have restore one!
@@davidstrawn9272Southern was another railroad that Dieselized early and didn't save very many steam locomotives. Several of the ones that do exist (like Mike 4501) had been sold to other railroads and preserved from those railroads. Pacific 1401 was saved because it had been used on FDR's funeral train out of Warm Springs, GA in 1945.
One of the PRR GG1s would be a great machine to restore to working order.
Where would it be run though? It needs electrical lines above the tracks so it can run. Perhaps somewhere in New England and Pennsylvania
I Agree! Problem with me too---is money, or lack of it! A couple of other engines I would like to see running again, are C&O 2789, in N/ Judson, IN.; Pere Marquette 1223 in Grand Haven, MI: GTW 6325 at the AOS Roundhouse in Sugar Creek, OH, and the NKP763!
I live in amarillo texas and my father helped start the amarillo railroad museum. We were going to move the madame queen out there and build a building for her but never did because of cost. We also have the Pantex nuclear train aka “the white train”. My neighbor when I was a kid was the engineer for the madame queen as well.
The Swedish TGOJ M3t No. 71 comes to Mind. It is one of the last surviving Steam Turbine Locomotives (the others happen to be more M3t preserved in the very same Museum), and it used to be operational until some 20 odd Years ago. To my Knowledge, there are some Restoration Efforts going on to get it operational again, but Progress has been worryingly stagnant over the last Years.
5632?! HELL YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Disguise her as 5629!!!
Who here bets “Madame Queen” is in the #1 spot?
YOU WERE RIGHT
I'd say the Nacionale de Mexico 3028, PRR 6755, N&W 578, C&O 614, C&O 701, Topeka & Santa Fe 347C, and CPR 1278.
As for the locomotives at the Museum of Transportation, restoration for them is unfortunately very very unlikely as the museum really doesn’t have the time or money to take on such a project. As for what you said about 4460s possible restoration being a rumour is absolutely true, the museum has no plans in the present or future for any restoration of 4460.
SP 771, 786, and 791 mikados
UP 833 FEF class
SP 4460 the dark daylight
Atsf 5030, and 5000,
For the X-Large class
The yellowstones 2-8-8-4
Any of the remaining Great Northern locomotives, in their beautiful Glacier Park Green color scheme. In particular there is a 4-6-2, 1355, that is in very good condition and just underwent an extensive cosmetic restoration recently.
For me being Australian
1: A² 995 and 996, they played a part of the last Broad Gauge era "Spirit of Progress"
2: R700, mainly because it's the class leader
3: S300 and S301 (both Streamlined and Non-Streamlined) and put both on Standard Gauge
What do you think of the Canadian Selkirk by MLW, 2-10-4?
Top engines on my list are 587, 1218, 759, 1278 & 1293, 6325, 1187, 7312, 490, 2101 & 2124, and 838.
I'd personally restore NP 1356 (which resides in my hometown) and run her on the Bitterroot spur. I know where to acquire the passenger cars for a potential tourist/heritage railroad I'd love to have
If I could make any addition to this list, it would be SVRy 20.
She sits outside, in the lot behind the main shops at the SVRy, awaiting at least some cosmetic work. She's been overshadowed by her sister 19, which got restored to operation *despite the fact that 20 was in overall better condition than 19 when they brought the two back.*
The SVRy has ~$11k saved up for her restoration, but that money was acquired over the course of more than *30 years.* That's less than $500 per year. She is, despite having sat in the open since being brought back, still in overall better condition than 19. Her boiler meets FRA requirements, her running gear is complete, her tender is complete with no leaks, all she needs is a new cab, *WHICH THEY ALREADY HAVE CONSTRUCTED!* 19 can't run right now because of a poorly done patch on her firebox that was put in after a wreck during her time on the WP&Y, her running gear is heavily worn, her boiler barely meets FRA standards, and yet she gets to run while her sister sits, languishing outside, hidden from the public eye in the very back of the yard.
SVRy 20 deserves better. Restoring her to operation would cost less than getting 19 running again.
But no, the old heads there are still adamant that 19 is the better of the two and that it's more important to keep her running. She's the favorite child, and 20 is the forgotten sibling that never gets the attention she deserves.
For me, I want to see CNR 6167 or 6213 or both restored and used for Niagara Falls excursion trains from Toronto. These trains operated by GO are already extremely tourist oriented and very popular. Imagine adding a working steam locomotive to the mix!
Two things: 1) 1:37 not all Niagras were scrapped. See, there were Niagras built for the national Railways of Mexico, or N de M, and there are a fair number of those preserved. But no New York Central ones, but technically not all the Niagras in existence were scrapped.
2) N&W 2050. That is my child and I know it's possible. It just would take TONS of money
You are correct that NdeM called their Alco built 4-8-4s “Niagaras” but they are completely different designs. The NdeM 4-8-4s are among the smallest of that type ever built.
One thing I would like, since we’re getting a from scratch PRR T1, could we get a from scratch NYC Hudson? That would be splendid. Also I believe railroad museum of Pennsylvania is building a roundhouse to put those outdoor locomotives indoors
How about the world’s largest steam powered switch engine in Greenville, Pennsylvania?
The SNCF left us a few 241s, which naturally must be converted into 242A1s.
Long time listener first time caller.
If I ever win the lottery one of my first phone calls will be to you to finance a steam locomotive restoration facility and heritage railway, a man can dream!
That is actually more likely to happen if you DON'T play the lottery. Just being seen at the gas station buying lottery tickets is enough to keep you from inheriting something you otherwise would have inherited. That's poor stewardship of money right there!.
@@slashmaster2 way to miss the point
Museum of The American Railroad has relocated from. Dallas north to Frisco, TX. It is a good and growing museum.
I'd definatley restore the GSR(I) b1a/ 800 class no. 800 Maedhbh (Pronounced Mave for those who don't speak Irish). She's the largest 4-6-0 in Europe. Need I say more?
I'd like to see CN U4a 6400, a streamlined 4-8-4 Northern (or Confederation) run again. It's currently indoors at the National Museum of Science and Technology in Ottawa. It's the only U4 that survived the scrapper. CN had 5 U4a locomotives, 6400-6404 and its US subsidiary GTW had 6 nearly identical U4b engines, numbered 6405-6410.
Definitely the Grand trunk 0-8-0's that survived at northwest steel and wire. Those things have been through hell and they deserve a happy ending.
Start the "Restore the Monarchy" campaign! Return the Queen to her throne!
1:08 welp
Hi Jax
More ideas for this list: N&W 1218, NKP 587, S&A 750, A&WP 290, T&P 610, C&O 614, GTW 6325, NKP 759, UP 4466, SP 2353, CB&Q 5629, ACL 1504, Frisco 1522, Frisco 4500, N&W 2156, PRR 4483
If someone had money I feel like 5632 could have a chance due to the smaller size that Pacifics have thus could run on a decent amount of lines
Everything else in the list is so big that finding solid homes for them could be a challenge.
There are plenty of smaller engines though that if given money would have a chance due to the smaller size and thus easier to run different places. Such as the other Frisco decapods that are around, some of the multiple ten wheelers around as well
3001 had the closest chance over a decade ago to being restored when the folks that owned Milwaukee Road 261 were looking to restore that locomotive since it looked like they were not going to be able to work out a deal to lease or own Milwaukee Road 261 from the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin. But two things happened, first is the 261 group did get permission from the NRM to hold on to 261 and second, The Mayor of Elkhart refused to the idea of wanting to let the engine leave Elkhart and this has a good point however. 3001 is the Center Piece of the National New York Central Railroad Museum and to see it go would no doubt have left an empty hole in it. But then again though, having 3001 steamed up would take A LOT of work.
N&W 1218 the only reason why she’s not running is because of her boiler being hollow after her parts were sold or stolen
All 3 DM&IR Yellowstones, both Alleghenies and both of the N&W Class Ys. Oops, forgot to add N&W 1218.
Definitely do an extinct locomotive list, I’d build a NYC hudson
Aside from the Hudson, there's also the Niagara, Norfolk and Western Y6B, Western Pacific GS-64, LNER J70, BR Standard Class 6, Southern Pacific AC-11, C&O T1, PRR J1, Florida East Coast 4-8-2 Mountains, and Milwaukee Road F7 4-6-4.
I would restore SP 5021, if we can still have a big boy in operation today, I'm sure a 4-10-2 wouldn't be so bad of a choice
3 cylinders are a maintenance nightmare! I would like to see one in operation in America, but if there is a 2-cylinder steam engine that can pull a heavy passenger train, I think the railroad would take that engine over any 3-cylinder engine.
I would like to add the C & O 1306 2-6-6-2 "Mallet" which has been on static display since 1962 in Huntington WV, a Wikipedia page has more information
You mean 1308?
@@CoreytheATSFConnie yes was a mistype from a blond
For me i would restore steam locomotives (at least American ones) to operational condition.
Here's my list.
PRR K4 No.3750
NYC Mohawk No.2933
UP No.4466 (oil conversion)
T&P No.610
DT&I no.45
PRR I1 no.4483
PRR E6 no.460
WM no.202
PRR No.520
And IC no.2500
(Now i can count more but to keep it short).
PRR 1361 is being restored, and she's a sister to PRR 3750.
I could not stop laughing at (3:23)🤣Keep up the great videos!
Good list!
A couple engines I would restore to operation would be Northern Pacific 328, 2153, 2156 and Milwaukee Road 265.
I would restore the Nederlandse Spoorwegen 3737. It was damaged because it was fired up too fast, and her frame bent. It is the only large steam engine that survived, and one of the few engines left (and only single large steam one) from Werkspoor (famous factory that made locomotives in The Netherlands).
Well you got 2 2-10-2 being restored back to operate UP5511 and SP982
I was waiting for the Perlman meme, and as usual I about pissed myself from laughing. Bang on darkness!
There was a user (Cockroach2008) back in the early 2010s that was constantly demanding that all the remaining steam locomotives must be scrapped. Was he really the ghost of Alfred E. Perlman?
Trains and jump scares….I was only prepared for one of these things.
CN 3254 would be a good pick for restoration, also, i would love to see SP 4460 restored to operation to run along side SP 4449
I live in amarillo my grandfather actually was a fireman on the 5000. As for the city selling Her that fell through due to public outcry that they wanted to sell her to an out of state buyer instead of the historical society that does their best to keep her up. The city also is the reason the museum never got built around her.
Anyone hear after hearing 3001 restoration project
You should look at the t1 trust. They're building a extinct locomotive. Through generous donations.
I'd 100% restore Canadian Pacific 5935, one of two Selkirk (canadian Texas type) in existance and the commonwealth's largest steam locomotive. Not too mention they were built here in my home town of Montreal at Alcos Canadian sub divisio MLW (montreal Locomotive works). I would adore to see that old beast run again, would be incredibly impressive.
Do diesels that you’d preserve
I vote for the US Army S160 (I'm aware you don't like it). Those engines were built to be disposable, yet lasted WAY longer than predicted (by years in some cases). There's one still in US Army Transportation Corps paint on static display and everything!!
Unlike many of the locos in this video, there are other S160s in operating condition, like #GreatSmokeyMountainsRailroad1702 in North Carolina and #AlaskaRailroad557 in Alaska, not to mention at least 3 S160s in the UK.
Darkness needs to do his version of Pearlman
My vote is for cab forward 4294, just for its unique design and purpose and it being the only one of its Type
I actually only have 3 that I would personally restore, which, all have run in the "Recent" past.
SP 2248: Get her the hell away from Grapevine because they clearly do not know how to properly operate and maintain her, Plus I grew up riding behind her. Honestly I think taking her back to the Texas State Railroad would be much, much better for her.
Santa Fe 1316 (TSR 500): Apparently the TSR doesn't have any "Current" plans to restore her, but again, she's one I grew up riding behind as a kid in the 90's.
T&P 610: Not only did she also pull the American Freedom Train, but she had a rather nice career in Southerns steam program until her firebox issues took her out of action. TSR does a wonderful job keeping her indoors and protected, but I'd give anything to restore her and have her running once again.
2:35 well now it is as 3001 now is getting restored to operation
8:24 i would love to see her famous cousen tow her to a the place were she can get restored then when she is fully working have her and her cousen double head the freedom train as her first time on the mainline to stretch her wheels and be toghether with her family member
SP 4294 and UP 9000 would be on my list, other ones Madame Queen, GT5632 and either one of the NYC or PRR Mountains are a good pick. One non steam locomotive which I would like to see running again is the UP Big Blow, although that will be very difficult as her heart is pulled out, the gas turbine, not sure if any of these gas turbines still exist.
More realistic would be the FT or EA with the original Winton engines being brought back to life.
1:08 You'll NEVER guess what the Fort Wayne Historical Society is restoring 😂
I would want to restore GTW 6325 and Cotton Belt 819.
Future idea:
Can you do 5 retiered steam excursion stars that you would like to bring back to steam?
Number 5 aged well.
(I’d restore UP 2537 Fr)
My list is: Lswr Adams Radial, Secr C class, Lbscr A1 55 Stepney, Secr D class and Sr U class 31806