Steam & Excursion > SP 982 Status

Does anyone have an objective explanation about what is going on with SP (T&NO) 982 the 2-10-2 in Houston?  I saw a post on Facebook that the Texas Railway Preservation Association and the Gulf Cost Chapter of the NRHS are fighting over it.  The post is long, but some details seem vague?  Something was mentioned about dissensioning,  Who actually owns the locomotive now and where is it?  I know TRPA has grand plans to restore her.  I grew up I Houston when 982 was displayed in Herman Park.  That was fifty-plus years ago.  Since then she was moved to Minute Maid Field (AKA) Union Station, then lost her tender, and is now stored on private property.  So far it's a long sad story.

How does a steam locomotive on static display.. "Loose" their tender ?

Trainman41 Wrote:
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> How does a steam locomotive on static display..
> "Loose" their tender ?

If I remember correctly, the "owners" at the time sold the tender to the Heber Valley RR, since just the locomotive engine was supposed to be "displayed" indoors, with no room for the tender.

That is correct,  The "museum" didn't have room.  Then the whole deal collapsed, leaving 982 tenderless.  From what I recall TRPA found a former GN (I think) tender that would be appropriate.

TRPA sold the tender to the Heber Valley who intended to salvage its oil bunker for UP 618. From what I remember, the justification at the time was that they could always buy it back and restore if needed and they discovered a higher capacity CN tender for sale. I don't think they actually bought that CN tender, but please correct me if I'm wrong.

badman Wrote:
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> TRPA sold the tender to the Heber Valley who
> intended to salvage its oil bunker for UP 618.
> From what I remember, the justification at the
> time was that they could always buy it back and
> restore if needed and they discovered a higher
> capacity CN tender for sale. I don't think they
> actually bought that CN tender, but please correct
> me if I'm wrong.

The TRPA did not sell the original tender, as the organization did not have possession of the locomotive. A GN Vanderbilt tender ( from the GN's first 2-10-2 ) was sourced and given to the TRPA. I have not been involved with the TRPA since January 1at of this year, so I do not have any knowledge of their current situation.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/13/25 18:09 by Txhighballer.