Greetings, The date has been set! On Sunday, December 14th, the first batch of parts from Locomotive #35 will be loaded and shipped to Alabama for restoration. Volunteers from the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum will assemble at 7:30am to prepare for the move. At 8:00am, a truck from Silk Road Transportation will arrive and loading will commence. An industrial forklift will be used to load the locomotive drive wheels, drive rods, pilot truck, pilot wheels and binders. Once tied down, they will make the two day trek to Muscle Shoals where Steam Operations Corp will begin the heavier work involved with the project. The locomotive driver and pilot truck bearing boxes, eccentric cranks, pins and other smaller parts are already there being machined and rebuilt. This is the first physical part of the restoration that will include all of the running gear, valve gear, braking and reversing components and the tender. In a few months, the locomotive frame will follow, and later the tender frame, tender trucks and most of the parts now in storage. Essentially, when complete, everything except the boiler will be ready to roll! While there are many variables to consider, this process is expected to take a number of years to complete. So, what of the boiler? Well, that requires a significant amount of very specialized repair work including the replacement of firebox sheets, flue tubes, stay bolts, the smoke box and a good amount of rivets. This is the most expensive part of the restoration, and it is not yet funded. It is our intention to commence with some aggressive fundraising efforts for this project while the rest of the work is being done. Meanwhile, we can rest secure in the knowledge that Locomotive #35 will be safe and sound, her restored parts indoors and protected while we raise the necessary funds for the boiler. Knowing that these parts are being restored to better-than-new condition should be no small consolation! Anyone wishing to watch the parts being loaded and shipped is more than welcome to attend. Please note, for safety reasons only those essential to the loading, rigging and securing of these parts will be permitted in the area. All others will be required to observe from a safe distance. Any volunteers interested in assisting with the move, please contact Steve Torborg at storb35@aol. This move will take place rain or shine, and will only be postponed at the request of the shipper or the receiver. Thanks for your continued support!
Posted on: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 01:27:28 +0000
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