Hey, D! Good to see you posting again.
We have to get together one of these days.
As far as any "Save the Redbirds" plan goes, I am not aware of any orgranized group (or groups) that have formed (yet). Of course one of more of the more prominent Electric Railway museums would probably be vying to get hold of a single (R-33s) or sets (26's).
One Org. that I KNOW wants to get hold of a set of Redbirds is the Illinois Railway Museum (PO Box 427, Union, IL 60180). Address your inquiry to Jerry or Ray.
Best of luck.
Doug aka BMTman