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Southern Pacific Railroad (SP) 2355 is one of 10 heavy 4-6-0 'Ten Wheel' steam locomotives built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1912, designated the T-31 class. 2355 was retired from service in 1957 and was converted to a static display at Pioneer Park in Mesa, Arizona.[5]
The locomotive was fenced off for safety concerns in the 1990s.[6] Since 2008, efforts have been underway to relocate 2355 within Pioneer Park and perform cosmetic restoration.[7] Restoring the locomotive to a running state from its current condition is deemed to be cost-prohibitive.
Southern Pacific 2355 has one surviving sibling. Southern Pacific 2353 is on static display in Campo, California's Pacific Southwest Railway Museum.
Southern Pacific 2355 remains on display where it was left in Pioneer Park. It was not relocated. The locomotive and tender have undergone a complete cosmetic restoration. Asbestos material and lead-based paint have been removed. Its paint was stripped completely using an environmentally-friendly blasting material. Polyurethane paint was applied and the train's electronics have been updated. Informational, interactive signage has been installed along with a completely new lighting arrangement. Cab control restorations continue. There are also plans to mount plaques listing all the donors and persons helping with the locomotive's restoration.
References
- ↑ Bailey, Douglas C. (2014). "Southern Pacific Locomotive #2355". steamlocomotive.info. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
- ↑ "SP T-31 #2355, Mesa, AZ". rgusrail.com. 1 December 2013. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
- ↑ Nelson, Gary (25 April 2013). "Mesa group seeking new era for old train". Arizona Republic. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
- ↑ "Fundraiser slated for Pioneer Park locomotive". Arizona Republic. 21 October 2013. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
- ↑ Miller, Nancy (2013). "SP2355 History". Save Our Train!. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
- ↑ Nelson, Gary (4 March 2014). "Mesa's Pioneer Park makeover takes shape". Arizona Republic. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
- ↑ Butler, Scott J (22 June 2009). City Council Report: Resolution of Support for a grant application from the Foundation for Mesa Parks & Recreation, Save Our Train Committee for a $50,000 request to the Gila River Indian Committee (PDF) (Report). City of Mesa, Arizona. Agenda Item 11e. Retrieved 23 December 2014.