Because of the importance of railroads to the early history of Tucson, numerous groups have attempted over the years to have the locomotive moved to a more appropriate site for cosmetic restoration and public viewing. However, none succeeded and the locomotive remained in Himmel Park, where it had been sitting since 1962.

With minimal upkeep, the old engine began to succomb to the elements. Rust started to eat away at the exposed metal and gauges, handles, and other parts began to disappear due to people climbing on it. By the early 1990’s, the engine was in bad shape. It had deteriorated to the point that many thought the engine would be scrapped. It was about this time that a group of Tucson residents decided that something must be done quickly, or there might not be a locomotive left. The group sprang into action and within a year, the locomotive had been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. By 1994, the engine had been taken apart, sandblasted, cosmetically restored, and reassembled. The engine appears today much as it did in 1955 when it was donated to the people of Tucson.

In December of 2000, the old engine and tender were brought home to the historic Southern Pacific depot in downtown Tucson.

The locomotive is historically significant to Tucson, the State of Arizona, and nationally. Engine #1673 is one of only a few moguls of its class still in existence. It is the challenge of the people of Tucson to preserve this landmark for future generations to see and appreciate.