Thank you, Glenn for the neat pics. Maybe the folks up in Phillips should go for a raid down Mexico way! That engine looks like a great start for a Sandy River mogul.
I actually got to ride that 30" #12 out in Montana, about 8-10 years ago. My father-in-law lives about 15 miles from Virginia City, which is to say, the middle of no where. We were out there for a visit and my f-I-l mentioned they had an operating steam locomotive down the road. As on previous trips, I had seen the dilapidated and burned carcass of the Alder Gulch Railway in Nevada City, (a mile or two from Virginia City) I didn't put much stock in his news. When we took a ride down that way, I was very pleased to see that delightful outside framed jewel in steam! We purchased tickets and managed to talk our way into the cab. It was very close quarters. The engine is deckless, with the back of the firebox flush with the back wall of the cab. They were firing her with used motor oil. My youngest son and I, along with two other fellows and the engineer and fireman found places on the tender deck and on top of the tender to ride! I found it interesting that the fireman filled the boiler to the very top of the glass prior to departure. Maybe that was on account the steep grades (maybe 5%?). Anyway, she was a neat little hog! On the trip back, my f-I-l rode in (or around) the cab with my son. I rode back in the train (old 4 wheeled side dump cars) with my wife and other son. I think there were four cars and the slack action was spectacular!
I think the engine is currently out of service, in need of major boiler work. Too bad, hope they have good luck.
John
