The PRR T1 Trust is pleased to partner with Continental Fabricators. A strong player in Railway Preservation, Continental Fabricators is presently working on three other steam locomotive boiler projects. Continental Fabricators has been providing boiler repairs and new construction to steam locomotive preservation efforts since the 1980’s.
The PRR T1 Trust boiler engineering team lead by Wolf Fengler, continues engineering on the remainder of the boiler and firebox to meet and exceed current American Society of Mechanical Engineers regulations. He is assisted by T1 Trust Engineering Committee members Gary Bensman, Dave Griner, Scott McGill, and Jason Johnson.
The trust is challenging members and friends to raise the $25,000 necessary to complete the third and final cylindrical boiler section. The goal is to have donations pledged by April 15. If funds can be pledged by then, the trust can have 25,000-pounds of boiler complete by summer 2018.
More information is available online.
— A Pennsylvania Railroad T1 Steam Locomotive Trust news release. Jan. 29, 2018.
The T1, what happens when you smoke something legal
in the state of Colorado.
Our cousins across the pond started with the frames, drivers, axles, rods, running gear, lead/trailing trucks, smokebox, cab and finally the boiler/firebox. Not my project but I’d feel better if the frame were done first.
Further response to Mr. Gishlick,
From the T1 website: “The question most asked to the T1 Trust is, “Where will it run when complete?”. We are pleased to announce that the Trust has received three letters of invitation to operate on various railroad lines around the country. We have received formal letters from Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, PA, the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, MI and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad in Independence, OH. All three organizations have a long track record of handling mainline steam locomotives and can easily support the T1 locomotive operation when complete.”
I guess they do have places to run it. Why not donate instead of vilifying?
Mr. Gishlick,
Apparently you are unaware of the many 765 and 611 excursions run on main lines within the past two years. Also, we have seen 261 run extensively. Additionally, there are regional roads that have permitted large steam engines to run. Since the T1 is of PRR heritage, it would fit within the heritage of NS. I have already made three 50.00 contributions to them. I know it’s not a lot, but if more of us made small contributions, this could happen quite quickly.
Finally, I am pretty sure that UP 4014 (which dwarfs a T1) is getting rebuilt to run. Do you think that’s a bad idea, too?
If and when they ever get this thing built where the dickens are they going to run it?? Its virtually impossible to run mainline steam excursions now, and there are ongoing rebuild projects currently that are being starved for cash to finish them. I would argue that a better alternative would be to build a full scale non operating model of the T1 for static display in a railroad museum. That would be significantly cheaper and would be quite valuable from an historical perspective.
Well I know two people who won’t cut in front of me in the photo line. Thanks guys, l (and many others) will enjoy the T1 all the more without you in the way.
Why must this be cast as an either/or? Why not both/and? If the T1 project succeeds, maybe the Western Maryland Scenic could learn a few lessons in funding the 1309 restoration project, among other endeavors.
Regardless of anyone’s opinion to the contrary, the T1Trust is certainly free to build the T1, if they wish, as they continue to raise funds for that purpose. They are using the funding model the British used successfully to build the Tornado, and they have already produced parts for the locomotive, including a cast drive wheel. While I personally might prefer a new NYC Niagara, I applaud their efforts and wish them much success.
By the way a pipeline contractor could do this in a few hours. What are these dudes going to do when they have to cast, machine, and build a tire for one driver? Any body have the balls to give us the real story?
Mr. Schultz AMEN! The Brits could possibly do this. Hear never and why even try? There are plenty of really needy and meaningful hulks. This “dream” will never see the light of day. Another steel cylinder- whoopee this is a grand example of rail fan insanity.
For the life of me, I do not understand WHY ON EARTH another Pennsy T1 needs to be built from scratch? TOTAL WASTE of time, money, and resources when there are thousands of other railroad preservation / INFRASTRUCTURE projects and restorations around this country that need to be begun, or need a boost to be completed. I can think of several prime candidates for restoration as far as steamers and even rolling stock go that would be MUCH better than a silly PRR T1! What’s the point?!! HORRIBLE INVESTMENT when there are hundreds of other locomotives sadly rotting away outdoors in museums all across the nation that need attention!