February 1972
Dear 9952-A,
May I call you Silver Pilot? I think numbers are a little impersonal when you have a name.
The docents here at the Museum of Science and Industry suggested that I might like to write to you. They think I get bored out here on the lawn. Conversation with the U-boat still leaves something to be desired and it can be too loud to talk to the steam engines during the day since they’re set so far away.
Congratulations on your acceptance to the Illinois Railway Museum. And to pull the Nebraska Zephyr no less! That’s a magnificent train. (Don’t tell my cars I said that though, haha!) I was very happy to hear that another of us has been returned to service.
And it is service, have no doubt. I think when we were thundering down the tracks at a hundred miles an hour, it was hard to see it that way. They used to make fun of the engines who ended up in museums. New engines probably still do, I bet.
Preservation is a responsibility is what I’m getting at. It’s not just standing around and being looked at. We were both part of something important, something that mattered. It’s our job to see that it’s remembered.
I have no doubt that you will perform that duty admirably.
Your friend in service,
Pioneer Zephyr
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