1912 Steam Locomotive

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1912 Steam Locomotive
Pioneer Park
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Historic Overview Engine 2355

• Built in 1912 by Baldwin Locomotive Works
• A dual service locomotive for smaller passenger
  and freight trains
• Operated several million miles during its 45
  years of service
• Retired in late 1957 and set for scrapping when
  it was given to the City of Mesa for exhibit

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Current Condition

• Cab sides, front and floor
  are heavily rusted.
• Left cab side has a steel patch attached on top
  of the rusted out areas.

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Vandalism and Fencing

• Graffiti/vandalism remains a constant issue.
• The locked iron fence makes it difficult to view
  as a historic exhibit.

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Abatement of Insulation

• Concern about asbestos leaking from rusted out
  portions on the locomotive steel boiler jacket.

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Alternatives

• Alternative 1 Restore and Rehab
• Cost of cosmetic restoration
• Insulation and lead paint abatement 40,000
• Restoration work 130,000
• Paint and lettering 30,000
• Relocation
• Movement of locomotive 40,000
• Total Estimated Cost 240,000

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Alternative 1 Pros/Cons

• Pros
• Restoration can be in phases
• Community support
• Keep for historical/sentimental value to Mesa
  residents
• Relocation of the steam locomotive to provide
  better security, prominently feature the
  locomotives historical significance to the
  residents of Mesa, and encourage tourism.
• Cons
• Funding for restoration
• Budget/staffing for on-going maintenance

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Alternative 1 Factors To Consider

• Need for timely asbestos abatement
• Deterioration of the locomotive and future value
  should deterioration continue
• Opportunity for locomotive restoration for
  educational and historic purposes
• 50th anniversary of locomotive in Mesa could tie
  in with start of light rail project

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Alternatives (continued)

• Alternative 2 Reinstate Request for Proposal
  for Purchase of Locomotive
• Would result in the sale of the locomotive
• Two parties have expressed interest

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Alternative 2 Pros/Cons

• Pros
• Save City money for restoration/on-going
  maintenance
• Locomotive would possibly become functional
• City would receive proceeds from sale
• Cons
• Lose a piece of Mesa history/landmark

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Alternative 2 Factors To Consider

• This process was suspended in June 2006 due to
  public pressure to keep the locomotive in Mesa

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Alternatives (continued)

• Alternative 3 Lease locomotive to Arizona
  Railway Museum
• Locomotive would be relocated to Chandler
• Estimated cost of relocation 50,000
• City share of relocation costs could be 30,000

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Alternative 3 Pros/Cons

• Pros
• Save City money for restoration/on-going
  maintenance
• Locomotive remains in East Valley
• Arizona Railway Museum would complete cosmetic
  restoration of locomotive
• Cons
• Loss of history and sentimental value to Mesa
  residents
• Funding needed to assist with locomotive move

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Alternative 3 Factors To Consider

• Rejected by Council in 1992 due to history and
  sentimental value of locomotive to Mesa residents
• City would still own locomotive
• Work would be needed at park in area where train
  previously resided, with no funding