quote:
This message is intended for the more than seven thousand rail fans that follow the progress of the 2926 restoration online.
As each one of you can see we are in the final stages of the restoration which we hope to have finished by June of 2015. This date will provide us one year of running time to prove the locomotive’s operation and reliability. The 2926 has been invited to a very special commemoration excursion in the summer of 2016 providing the engine is ready. The details of the trip are not yet formalized so no announcement will be made at this time.
We have estimated the completion expense to finish is in the area of $170,000 which doesn’t include filling the 7000 gallon tender with oil. The lion’s share of the cost is the remaining pressure vessel welding. This includes 520 flexible staybolt sleeve welds, 880 superheater pipe welds and 272 flue and tube seal welds.
To complete this work by June 2015 we will need to supplement our in house welders with hired ones. This is where each one of you can assist us. We are respectfully requesting a donation from everyone interested in the 2926 restoration. If each one of you could become a member of NMSL&RHS for the sum of $29.26 it would provide the funds for completion and start-up. We ask that everyone try to forgo a dinner out and/or a movie just once.
Those that can afford more we certainly welcome it. Please don’t depend on someone else to donate. If we all give a little it will go a long way. Remember NMSL&RHS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible and 93% of all money collected goes toward the restoration.
Respectfully yours,
Mike Hartshorne, President
Rick Kirby, Chief Mechanical Officer
What this group has accomplished, and is accomplishing, on a shoestring budget is.... Inspiring.
Yeah I'm 39 but I'm a kid in heart! 
