Retirement As A Camera Car and Restoration As A Locomotive
The camera car was retired in 1984 and donated to the California State Railroad Museum in 1986. Initially, volunteers removed the camera "nose" and opened up the highly modified cab windows to 1964 profiles, with the goal of restoration to original appearance. However, that restoration was halted, and the engine sat in outdoor storage exposed to weather and vandals, with much of the copper wiring and a good portion of the Behr radiator assemblies being stolen. It was de-accessioned by CSRM and donated to the Pacific Locomotive Association (PLA) in 2008, along with several pieces of rolling stock. They were moved by the Union Pacific Railroad in the summer of 2008 from Sacramento to their interchange with Niles Canyon Railway at Hearst, California. The Niles Canyon Railway then transferred SP 9010 to its Brightside Yard. Restoration is now underway by volunteers of the PLA.
The restoration process includes the building of a replica of the locomotive's original nose, and returning the locomotive to its original 1964 appearance with its original road number, 9010. It will retain its cab controls so that it can be pushed by a locomotive providing power from behind. All gearing was removed during the Camera Car conversion, and mechanical attention is primarily focused on the restoration of systems necessary for multiple-unit operation. Investigation continues into the mechanical integrity of the Number 2 Maybach MD870, which appears in good condition but lacks a Cardan shaft connection to the Brown Boveri/BBC Dynastarter, and so is currently unable to be power-rotated. Many mechanical sub-systems are being repaired or restored, and parts are currently being sought, with the intent to facilitate the resumption of self-powered operation at a future date.
Read more about this topic: Southern Pacific 9010
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—Richard Steele (1672–1729)
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