Next stop...

My cousin Jimmy came to visit my father in his final weeks.  It was a moving experience for me to witness the discussion between them.  He was very forthcoming about his visit.  He was coming to say goodbye.  He asked my father what awaited him when he passed over.  He said that he would catch a ride on a steam engine, but not just any steam engine, a very specific steam engine, a Pennsy T1.  

The Pennsy T1 was a unique steam locomotive that featured 2 sets of drive wheels and an art deco styled streamlined design courtesy of legendary industrial designer Raymond Loewy.  There were a total of 52 T1 steam engines built.  Sadly all were scrapped (like numerous examples of locomotives from the streamline era).   

In 2014 I nearly fell out of my chair when I read an announcement of the formation of the T1 Trust, an organization committed to raise fund to rebuild the T1, bolt by bolt.     I immediately contacted them with a number of ideas and suggestions about how to raise awareness, build support and generate donations.  They made me a member of their marketing committee.  

I am not sure about the feasibility of the project, but at this point, I don’t care.  It is simply amazing that there is a possibility of it happening and the locomotive they are choosing to rebuild is the very same as the one my father told us would be waiting for him when he crossed over.