Tom,
Here are some facts you asked about concerning the NYC 3001.
NYC 3001 is owned by Lakeshore Railroad Historical Foundation who leases the locomotive and rolling stock to the National New York Central Railroad Museum. Currently the lease was signed in 1987 for 100 years for $1. The lease has a long list of conditions regarding the leased equipment that must be met.
In 1976 the Lakeshore Railroad Historical Foundation was started by Bob Spaugh who originally owned the current National New York Central Railroad Museum (aka Elkhart Museum) building and purchased it from Miles Labratories when they made Alka Seltzer and Flintstones vitimans on that site.
Bob and his wife ran a novel theme restaurant at the location, which incorporated authentic old NYC passenger cars as part of the dining room experience. This was called the "Freight House Restaurant."
The Lakeshore Railroad Historical Foundation (aka The Foundation) ran steam excursions in the 1977's to Middlebury and Shippshewana using a former Buffalo Creek and Gauly steam locomotive which was later acquired by one of these on line towns. This engine BC&G #13 is now preserved operational in Sugarcreek, Ohio at the Age Of Steam Roundhouse.
The Lakeshore Railroad Historical Foundation through the efforts of Bob Spaugh collected several Pennsylvania RR GG1 locomotives including the one used on the Robert Kennedy funeral train. This locomotive PRR 4903 was traded to the city of Dallas, Texas, for the former NYC 3001 Mohawk in 1984. This steam locomotive was moved to the Lakeshore Railroad Historical Foundation museum/ Bob Spaugh's Restaurant in Elkhart in 1984 by Union Pacific Railroad and Conrail.
Conrail was interested in having a steam program like CSX with C&O 614. Bob and the foundation were contacted by Conrail CEO Richard Sanborn about moving NYC Mohawk 3001 to the Conrail Shops in Reading, PA for an operational overhaul. Conrail Senior Vice President R.B. Hasselman was sent to handle this when Conrail CEO Richard Sanborn died of a heart attack - the Conrail steam program died with him.
In 1986 Elkhart city officials drove into the Bob Spaugh's and Lakeshore Railroad Historical Foundation parking lot and made an offer to become a part of the project by lending The city of Elkhart influence and help. Bob sold the restaurant and its dining cars to the city outright, the rest of the railroad equipment including NYC 3001 was leased to The City of Elkhart by the foundation.
Efforts continued to obtain funding to restore NYC 3001 and restoration funds were offered and became available through The National Railroad Historical Society. I am sure similar funding is available today.
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Fast forward to the years 2006-2008 when Mark Frazier was the Curator of the Elkhart Museum with a plan moving towards operating NYC 3001. Ron Troyer was a director of the museum at this time.
Enter the administration of Mayor Dick Moore of Elkhart who completely altered the direction of the museum while giving lip service to supporting the operation of NYC 3001. Moore was heavy handed with any part of the city govenment that did not see things "the way he did" or get his approval for such projects. Mayor Dick Moore appointed Robin Hume from Elkahart Human Resourses and Parks and Recreation Department to head the Elkhart Museum.
The City of Elkhart has made few statements of any credability concerning the Museum and engine NYC 3001.
Many feel the the National New York Central Railroad Museum is adrift without a true purpose or mission and that it and its prize collection are the stepchild of city politics that are use for 'one-up-man-ship' more than the use of, preservation of, and protection of the exhibits such as NYC 3001.
In this behavior I feel sure there is a violation of the museum lease and foundations charter.
To illustrate the source of the problem, here are a few quotes from 3rd term mayor Dick Moore - who by he way is running for mayor again in 2015 - regarding the museum and the operation of NYC Mohawk 3001,
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"I'm not sure its the practical thing to do, the train wouldn't be seen much in Elkhart"
"I'm not sure thats what we need if we can't run it when it gets back here."
"A lot of people have said, 'Yes, Elkhart ought to do that!' I think they are like me..they would love to see it run and smoke and toot and do all that again...but it's questionable."
The mayor has also gone on record saying that he is reluctant to part with the 70 year old locomotive but after communicating with 'rail buffs' and those who brought NYC 3001 from Texas he now half-heartedly supports restoration efforts.
A non profit group of 'rail buffs' called Friends of 261, based in Shoreview, MN, thought that NYC Mohawk 3001 could be overhauled for about 1 million dollars and would try to find the money to do it. "They are wrapped up in 261 and can't handle two locomotives at this time, but they are still interested. We don't have one or two million dollars ourselves."
He would rather have an outside organization perform the restoration.
He plans to form a committee of 'rail buffs' and members of Lakeshore Railroad Historical Foundation (who owns NYC Mohawk 3001).
"The City of Elkhart is contacting railroads, private companies and individuals interested in being involved in the restoration."
Ron Troyer - Director of National New York Central Railroad Museum in 2007 is quoted "Were drafting a letter to send out to a couple of companies that have the ability to do this."
Persons contacting the National New York Central Railroad Museum in 2010 were told "Ron Troyer is in charge."
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Some facts about Mayor Dick Moore 3rd term Mayor of The City of Elkhart.
He is 77 years old and grew up in Elkhart where he earned a highschool degree from Elkhart High School in 1957.
Dick Moore is former Street Commissioner, Fire Chief, owner of the River Queen restaurant and was co-owner of a trucking company for 10 years.
Dick Moore reportedly is a model railroader with several loops of track in his basement. - He is at least purported to to be a model railroader for publicity and political purposes.
Dick Moore announced that he is going for a third term election in 2015 on the Democratic ticket.
In 2008 he pionered Anti-Noise Control legislation in Elkhart and established a noice control police enforecement. He feels the anti-noise control is a model program for the nation. - This is an odd political stand on his part because Elkhart is a railroad shop and yard center moving extensive rail traffic and hazardous materials. Rail whistles are necessary for the protection of everyones safety.
Mayor Dick Moore notes also that Elkhart has the highest unemployment in the country. - One wonders at the mind set of a politician who would advertise this fact and not do anything about it. Possibly setting up a tourist railroad using NYC Mohawk 3001 could do something to alleviate this.
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Ron Troyer former Director of the National New York Central Railroad Museum has removed himself from participation in the museum and has run and been elected to the City Council of Elkhart from the 4th District. - This presents an odd poliitcal conflict of interest in the city's manipulation of the NYC Museum.
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Bob Spaugh who created the restaurant and operated the steam excursions, who was fundamental in leading the Lakeshore Railroad Historical Foundation owners of NYC 3001 died this past week.
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NYC Mohawk 3001 remains the sole surviving passenger engine of the New York Central Railroad beating the odds of all her 600 sisters.
NYC Mohawk 3001 has outlived New York Central Railroad President - Al Perlman and all those bent on the distruction of "The Great Steel Fleet."
NYC Mohawk 3001 remains itself! - The coveted and cherished sole representative of the great age of New York Central passenger steam locomotives.
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Blind and obstinate Mayor Dick Moore and no one else will keep NYC Mohawk 3001 from this appointed destiny. - Because NYC Mohawk 3001 belongs to the heart of the people of America!
There are a few folks here who need to wake up and take a look at this fact!
There are people and there are places NYC Mohawk 3001 belongs besides being trapped in the city of Elkhart, Indiana!
Dr. D
