Steam railroading to return to Alaska!

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Chris Hollands
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Location: Vancouver ,Canada

Re: Steam railroading to return to Alaska!

Post by Chris Hollands »

Hi Dick I was in the UK last month and was at Cheddelton Railway and they have 3 of the same engine - 1 running and 2 under repairs do you guys talk or deal with them about your project .
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Dick_Morris
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Joined: Sat Jan 04, 2003 2:09 pm
Location: Anchorage, AK

Re: Steam railroading to return to Alaska!

Post by Dick_Morris »

Yes. Greg Wilson. he and two of his crew came to visit us a couple of years ago. We also communicate with Peter Best who owns the Maroon "Omaha" in the U.K.
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Chris Hollands
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Location: Vancouver ,Canada

Re: Steam railroading to return to Alaska!

Post by Chris Hollands »

A couple of pics from the UK , they did say that some of the original engineering had some issues but they were never meant to last that long from what I've read about these engines .
They really look out of place in the UK , you take a double look when you first see them .
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Dick_Morris
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Re: Steam railroading to return to Alaska!

Post by Dick_Morris »

The most recent status report is posted at https://www.alaskarails.org/pix/former- ... index.html

Grinding the dome throttle valve seat.
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grinding_the_valve_seat reduced.jpg
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Dick_Morris
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Re: Steam railroading to return to Alaska!

Post by Dick_Morris »

A new status report has been posted at https://www.alaskarails.org/pix/former- ... index.html

557 was rolled outside on her own wheels for the first time since entering the Engine House for her overhaul ten years ago.
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557-in-sun reduced.jpg
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NP317
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Re: Steam railroading to return to Alaska!

Post by NP317 »

Congrats! A momentous event for your team!
RussN
Pontiacguy1
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Re: Steam railroading to return to Alaska!

Post by Pontiacguy1 »

Looks like you're getting pretty close! I know there is still a lot to have to do, but having a rolling chassis is a big deal.
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Dick_Morris
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Re: Steam railroading to return to Alaska!

Post by Dick_Morris »

Something to get the blood flowing and keep the 557 restoration crew motivated.

557 supporter Larry Altoff from Pennsylvania had a 5-chime Nathan whistle that he wanted to contribute for installation on 557. I can only say that he has excellent taste, both in whistles and locomotives!

It sounds sweet on air and will only sound better on 200+ psi of steam.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMi-WX2 ... ionCompany

(I've already watched/listened to the video about 20 times.)
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Dick_Morris
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Re: Steam railroading to return to Alaska!

Post by Dick_Morris »

My new favorite train photo.

Today we ceremonially connected the engine to tender with the draw bar, safety chains, and hoses for an invitation only event with the press and supporters. There are more photos on the 557 Restoration Company Facebook page.
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NP317
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Re: Steam railroading to return to Alaska!

Post by NP317 »

Thumbs up!
RussN
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Dick_Morris
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Re: Steam railroading to return to Alaska!

Post by Dick_Morris »

The October status report is now posted. https://www.alaskarails.org/pix/former- ... index.html

Photo of the backhead and cab interior by Tim Parks.
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Greg_Lewis
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Re: Steam railroading to return to Alaska!

Post by Greg_Lewis »

Oooh... so clean and shiny. Looks great. Is there a computer screen behind the brake stand? Whuzzat for?
Greg Lewis, Prop.
Eyeball Engineering — Home of the dull toolbit.
Our motto: "That looks about right."
Celebrating 35 years of turning perfectly good metal into bits of useless scrap.
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