The 757 was a gift to Mad River. I disagree that the RRMPA got the "wrong end of the stick". This is not a win-lose situation. RRMPA, due to budget cuts and a small paid and volunteer workforce has not had the resources to keep up with the deterioration of the artifacts that are located outside in the train yard. The museum management very wisely decided that it was better for all of the artifacts that some items be deaccessioned so that they could focus their limited resources on a more manageable roster of equipment.
What struck me when I first visited the RRMPA and talked with the staff is just how small a number of people there are that keep the place going. And in the restoration shop there is a very small number of volunteers working with the paid staff. Historic preservation is a participation sport. Historic equipment in a museum still will rot away if there are not humans there to care for these beasts, and even with the heroic efforts of the restoration shop staff and volunteers, it is still a losing battle with nature.
If 757 were to remain in Strasburg, it would continue to dissolve into the earth for the foreseeable future, as it was way down the priority list for rotation into the shop for restoration work. However, as soon as 757 reaches Bellevue it will be placed inside and a team of people who are motivated and excited will descend upon the locomotive and give it the care and attention that it deserves.
As for its road worthiness for movement. Our initial inspection revealed no major issues. We will start in depth evaluations this fall and will of course keep everyone apprised of the progress as we get 757 ready to roll.
