I wouldn't say "untouched". It's wearing the third paint job she received, back in September, 1970. ( delivered in April, 1939, she was first repainted in May of 1950. This means 11 years, upon closer examination) 37 years of being outside, unwashed, unwaxed and "unloved", has left that paint job faded, peeling, and being undermined, by rust. There's not enough to save. The mechanical damage done to the pilots, railings, stepwells, etc, and the fact it's been sitting in that siding, for years means there's lots to be done, just to save her mechanically. Once it's all finished, the sorry state of the 37 year old paint job would be rather pathetic. The fact she's been purchased by a group that intends to save, and restore her, should be the only thing that matters. I'd like to be there, with a camera, and a few rolls of UC, to document the sandblasting, and seeing what is uncovered, as she's blasted back to bare metal. Needless to say, now's the time to get those photos, and document what's left of the current paint scheme.
Ed Bowers deserves a round of Thanks!, from the Valley railfan community. The loco was sold, for less than scrap value, and Ed knew this going in. His decision to save her, rather than scrap her, makes him one of "the Good Guys". I would imagine nobody would find fault, when she's finally finished. Regards. <LV>