Garth Groff wrote:

Walt,

I have an October 1958 ORER. Rutland still had 26 of the 2700-series in revenue service, and I don't know how many in company service. 

The Green Mountain Railroad dates from 1964, so I have no information about it (though some photos of recent vintage). Since this line was 

owned by Nelson Blount, also the founder of Steamtown in its original incarnation, there is no wonder how Rutland 2777 ended up in the 

modern Steamtown museum collection.

Yours Aye,

Garth Groff  🦆

    This is absolutely correct Garth. The only thing I don't recall, and can't find my roster to check, is how many of the #2700 flats the GMRC 

ended up with as I believe the Vermont Rwy. got a few as well. The GMRC also got at least one of the older, straight side sill Rutland flat cars.

I knew Nelson Blount and drove within 2 miles of his place on my way home in August of 1967 when he was killed. The GMRC and Steamtown

were totally separated  shortly thereafter with Robert W. Adams heading up the GMRC employee group that acquired the railroad from Ne;son's

estate. Over the years I also worked for the GMRC as a relief passenger trainman, later as relief fireman for Steamtown for which later still I 

served as the insurance agent. The falling out that occurred between the State of Vermont and Steamtown in the late 1970's is a shame from

which I do not feel Steamtown has ever recovered, nor have I been at all impressed by the many losses and lack of very much real progress 

since it was moved and became the Scranton Scrapyard. Others may view it differently but that's the way I see it. If it was going to move I 

believe strongly that the Kingston, NY choice also contemplated would have been a far better choice in the long run.

Cordially, Don Valentine