(The following report appeared on The Evening Times website on February 22. Bill Romania is a retired member of BLET Division 641 in Hornell, N.Y.)
SAYRE, Pa. — Pat Ferro, Bill Romania and Joe Cole are no strangers to the life of a railroader.
Among them, there is over 123 years of experience working for the Lehigh Valley, Conrail and Norfolk Southern, and when they became aware of the events that are transpiring at the Sayre Historical Society, they sprung into action.
They wanted to see the U23B on which they spent so many hours, saved and brought back to their hometown.
Romania, who is a former U23B engineer, contacted project coordinator Greg Deibler of the Sayre Historical Society and wanted to contribute.
“I spent a lot of time running that engine and I know a lot of other people did too,” he said. “I want to send a message to all my buddies out there to help get this thing back here.”
His longtime conductor, Joe Cole, concurred.
Pat Ferro — who was employed by the Lehigh Valley, Conrail and eventually retired from Norfolk Southern — said, “I think this plan is great. I just want to challenge all the guys that I know and spent a lot of time on and around these engines to help the society get this locomotive here.”
Deibler was pleased to have such enthusiastic support of the people who knew the locomotive and the railroad, adding that there are really so many ways to help out.
“This is going to be a huge undertaking, as well as one part of a tremendous source of pride for Sayre,” he said. “Contributions come in many forms, information and suggestions and even documents are just as valuable as financial contributions. Someone has already donated a pamphlet on the GE’s Universal Series locomotives (the U in U23B), which answers a lot of questions regarding dimensions and specifications. Many people who have retired from the railroad, or are currently employed are great sources of information on what has to happen and how. Just when I think I have done my homework and solved one of the many small obstacles, I get a phone call from Mr. Ferro or another former employee that completely changes things and definitely for the better.”
Anyone who has an interest in the recovery and cosmetic restoration of this locomotive is encouraged to submit ideas or financial contributions to the Sayre Historical Society. The address is: Sayre Historical Society, P.O. Box 311, Sayre, PA 18840. The society requests that financial contributions be specifically identified for the U23B project.
For more information, visit the society’s Web site at www.sayrehistorical.com.