WATERVILLE (AP) — Waterville officials have voted to sell a historic steam locomotive that sits slowly deteriorating in town because it’s too expensive to restore.

The Morning Sentinel reports that Mayor Karen Heck cast the deciding vote in a 4-3 decision Tuesday.

The Old 470 steam locomotive was sold to New England Steam Corp. for $25,000. The organization wants to move the engine to Ellsworth, restore it, and use it on the Downeast Scenic Railroad.

President Richard Glueck said his organization is trying to raise the $1.5 to $1.75 million restoration cost, an amount the city can’t afford.

The locomotive was the last steam engine used for passenger service on the Maine Central Railroad. Its final trip was in June 1954. Built in 1924, it was a gift to the city in 1962.



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