This Engine will soon be in Freeport, Illinois
The Silver Creek and Stephenson Railroad has been donated an ALCO locomotive by St. Mary's Cement Company in Dixon IL.
The Silver Creek is planning on painting and refurbishing the locomotive. They are hoping that it will be made to run after they work on it. This would be the largest locomotive, as far as weight goes, by far on the Silver Creek.

Now the only problem is that they have to transport the loco from Dixon to Freeport. They estimate that it will cost between 8,000 and 10,000 dollars to move the engine, and are hoping for donations to help cover the cost of the move or a trucking firm with the appropriate equipment to step forward and help with hauling the unit. The paper says that if you would like to make a donation to assist, you should send it to the Stephenson County Antique Engine Club, P.O. Box 255, Freeport IL (zip is 61032).

Club vice President, Ronald Pieper, says the club will maintain a "strict list of donors." If enough funds fail to materialize, donors will be contacted, and asked if they would like their money returned, or if they would like it put towards maintaining current equipment. Pieper also said "We are strictly a volunteer group, with no tax money or government money. It's just people working together". The goal is to have the 100 ton locomotive in Freeport by the Spring/Summer of 2008. If you would like to contact
Mr. Pieper for more information, the paper lists this number: 815-232-2306.