During 2023 will this steam engine finally make a run?
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Unfortunately, I doubt it very much. Still a long way to go.
@Gene H posted:Unfortunately, I doubt it very much. Still a long way to go.
I also will have ro agree I am not sure it will even make in in 2024.
@jim sutter posted:During 2023 will this steam engine finally make a run?
No.
Maybe, they should of just left it at the curve.
@jim sutter posted:Maybe, they should of just left it at the curve.
No, again.
For $5 I actually got to blow the whistle one day at the Altoona Museum when they had it fired up! That had to be somewhere in the mid-80's!
Gotta' admit - like a true 'Rail Fan' - it was a thrill! 
@jim sutter posted:Maybe, they should of just left it at the curve.
Agree. They should have built a museum around it there to preserve it.
@rplst8 posted:Agree. They should have built a museum around it there to preserve it.
Why? There is already another PRR K4s in the museum across the street from the Strasburg Rail Road. In my opinion it is imperative that the 1361 be PROPERLY rebuilt to operational status, which is exactly what is going on.
@Hot Water posted:Why? There is already another PRR K4s in the museum across the street from the Strasburg Rail Road. In my opinion it is imperative that the 1361 be PROPERLY rebuilt to operational status, which is exactly what is going on.
AFAIK 3750 is rotting outside in the Pennsylvania weather.
I’ve watched the #1361 project since I was in middle school spend million after million with no results. I’ve been told “it’s in good hands” now, but call me skeptical.
As a boy I used to be able to go see her at the top of The Curve, 15 minutes from my parents’ house. Since they removed her, I haven’t seen her once, other than pictures.
Time will tell the tale, but no steam restoration project has been more mismanaged than this one. What a tragedy… The Standard Railroad of the world and its most iconic locomotive, in what can only be described as the railroad capital of the world.
@rplst8 posted:AFAIK 3750 is rotting outside in the Pennsylvania weather.
When funds are available, it will be cosmetically restored, and moved inside, just like the other beautifully restored pieces inside.
I’ve watched the #1361 project since I was in middle school spend million after million with no results. I’ve been told “it’s in good hands” now, but call me skeptical.
Don't be. I can assure you that the 1361 is now in VERY good hands with proper financial support to boot.
As a boy I used to be able to go see her at the top of The Curve, 15 minutes from my parents’ house. Since they removed her, I haven’t seen her once, other than pictures.
Well, being a lot older than you are, I began learning about steam locomotives on the PRR K4s & K4sa (#612) locomotives/locomotive on the New York & Long Branch engine terminal in South Smboy, NJ, in about 1957. Plus, I was one of the crew members (Fireman) on #1361 when she made her very first trip on the Nittany & Bald Eagle RR, after her first restoration (1980s). Maybe I'm a bit partial but, I would much rather see an operating 1361 than one "stuffed & mounted" someplace.
Time will tell the tale, but no steam restoration project has been more mismanaged than this one. What a tragedy…
Mostly complements of the Steamtown operation! Also, lets not forget that ANY PRR K4s locomotive does NOT comply with current FRA regulations, thus 1361 REQUIRES extensive firebox redesign and replacement, which is exactly what is currently going on!
The Standard Railroad of the world and its most iconic locomotive, in what can only be described as the railroad capital of the world.
Well, that may be your opinion but, I personally think there would be many other considerations for "railroad capital of the world".
There is no way that the 1361 will be running in 2023. It's currently being restored at the Railroaders' Memorial Museum in Altoona. It appears that the restoration project, which commenced in 2021, is a serious endeavor and that the total costs of the project will be around $2.6M. A well respected steam-locomotive consulting firm, FMW Solutions LLC ("FMW"), was retained by the Museum in 2021 and is providing oversight and fabrication assistance, guiding a team of local volunteers.
The major obstacle identified initially was that the locomotive's firebox didn't meet current pressure-vessel federal safety standards. On FMW’s recommendation, the Museum decided to replace the firebox with an identical-looking firebox having specifications that would conform with the federal standards. From a very recent report I read in Trains Magazine, employees of FMW and volunteers have fabricated a new firebox for the 1361. The work included cutting out 7/16th-inch steel plates for the side and roof sheets, then assembling and welding them together to form the new firebox. PRR used 3/8th-inch steel, which doesn’t meet the Federal Railroad Administration’s “factor of 4” safety standard, meaning that a boiler must withstand a force of four times its normal operating pressure.
I also read that approximately $400,000 has been raised to date for the restoration that largely covers the costs of the new firebox. I have not seen any estimate concerning when the restoration will be completed. That said, I would expect that it will take several more years.
Pat
It will be interesting to see if 1361's restoration will be finished before or after 5550's construction (currently 39.1% complete), which was originally slated to be finished by 2030 (not sure if the date was moved up or not following their acquisition of a tender, and not needing to build one). Also interesting is that both faced some of the same issues concerning updating to meet current FRA regulations. Either way, it'll be great seeing both plying the rails. Now if someone had the money lying around for a complete GG1 restoration/upgrade to modern standards...
@Hot Water posted:Well, being a lot older than you are, I began learning about steam locomotives on the PRR K4s & K4sa (#612) locomotives/locomotive on the New York & Long Branch engine terminal in South Smboy, NJ, in about 1957. Plus, I was one of the crew members (Fireman) on #1361 when she made her very first trip on the Nittany & Bald Eagle RR, after her first restoration (1980s). Maybe I'm a bit partial but, I would much rather see an operating 1361 than one "stuffed & mounted" someplace.
True. I guess I need to be more patient. Watching the Brits build a Mallard from scratch and set the steam powered speed record really grinds my gears.
> Time will tell the tale, but no steam restoration project has been more mismanaged than this one. What a tragedy…
Mostly complements of the Steamtown operation!
What is with that place? It's a national park, you'd think it would be better run.
The Standard Railroad of the world and its most iconic locomotive, in what can only be described as the railroad capital of the world.
Well, that may be your opinion but, I personally think there would be many other considerations for "railroad capital of the world".
How about "former railroad capital of the world"?
