Well, it certainly is interesting to be the new owner of a F40. Major progress in the past week, and have many more days ahead with new surprises!Following is the essay I've posted on the temporary website. New website to come will be, www.f40phr231.com !
http://www.portlandtransit.org/f40phr231.html
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Status update of 08:54, 12/16/2002
December 16th, 2002 is the official purchase date of the F40PHR #231. I (Chris Fussell / Project Manager), through a generous loan, was able to purchase this Amtrak engine for $20,000.
This is a very exciting phase of the preservation project, that originally began in November, 2001 -- engine #231's retirement month -- to save the F40 from the scrapper.
Here's what's happened since the last update, December 5th. That is the day when we gave Amtrak notice to proceed with the Sales Order, which we received and needed to sign, provide funds by December 14th. I took the step of ensuring I don't sign something that will stall the project. In order to proceed with the signature, I needed a qualified mechanic to inspect the locomotive, and ensure that it is good for transport.
Like I guessed in the previous essay, a brake valve was indeed robbed, but obtaining another one isn't going to be a problem. The other element the inspector noted on the "missing parts" list, was the number boards -- darn thief made off with them!
Then, Doyle McCormack and I reviewed the Sales Order, mechanic report, with a discussion and determination to move on. Sales Order was signed, and funds were transferred. I guess this means I officially own the #231!
Well, not for too long, the grand plan is to donate the F40 to a local museum. Initially, we talked about donating it to the Northwest Rail Museum, but decided that donating to Friends of 4449 might be more ideal for the #231. One of the reasons is, since we want to keep this engine in operating status, we want to put it in a group that has volunteers who have long kept things running!
I've helped out at the Brooklyn Roundhouse here and there, but I, along with other volunteers, are ready to revive the F40 locomotive. In order to pay off the 0% interest loan, we will need your help!
First, special thanks to who have already taken part of the efforts, by contributing a pledge, spreading the word across the internet, sending emails of encouragement. Each and every one of those helped the project inch closer to its goal. We're all in this together, and while we do this together, we can make things happen!
I have been keeping track of each and every pledge emailed to me. I have not actually started accepting them, and will post another update as to how we'll handle this. The idea is that, the contributions we receive will go to pay off the loan, and once it's paid off, the F40 #231 is then officially under the group's ownership.
Here's the plan for the next 4 weeks. I may take the Empire Builder out to Chicago, to meet with some mechanics whom have generously offered their assistance. We'd go to Beech Grove and wrap up some loose ends, generally some work on the HEP generator, brake valves, and the trucks/wheels. Transportation options have become available, but they remain under consideration until further notice.
Here's the scoop:
1) Locomotive #231 purchased : Dec. 16th, 2002
2) Deadline for removal of engine: Jan. 18th, 2003
(subject to late fee of $75 per day, that's $2250 a month!)
Thank you all for your ongoing support, we've made it this far! By overcoming the last few hurdles, we can bring this engine to its home in Portland, for revival and maintain in an operable condition for good causes to come.
Remember, this is your chance to become part of saving the F40 locomotive, #231!
~Chris
chris@portlandtransit.org
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