A Southern Pacific 2-8-2, currently being restored in New Orleans, is looking for a new home. 

SP 745 has been maintained by the Louisiana Steam Train Association since the 1980s and returned to operation in the early 2000s. Over the years, the locomotive operated around New Orleans and as far as Kansas City. It was eventually taken out of service because it needed work on its boiler, and LSTA has been working on it ever since. 

The locomotive has been stored and maintained at Jefferson Yard since the 1980s. Now, the Ochsner Medical Center, which owns the land beneath the spur, is expanding. LSTA said they knew they would eventually need to move, but didn’t expect it to happen so quickly. Regardless, they were grateful for the home they had over the past few decades. 

“We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Ochsner organization and its staff for their generosity over the years. Most importantly, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to you, our valued community members. Your unwavering support has been the backbone of our organization and we couldn’t have come this far without you,” the group said in a press release. 

The locomotive and other equipment are expected to be moved to a temporary location soon while the group searches for a more permanent home. For more information and to donate, visit lasta.org/relocation.