ANCHORAGE, Alaska – As the new year dawns, Alaska Railroad is preparing to mark 100 years since the completion of its 470-mile main line. It was July 15, 1923, when President Warren G. Harding drove a golden spike signaling the completion of the railroad in Nenana, Alaska (Harding would die in San Francisco while returning from the trip).
To kick off its centennial, Alaska Railroad is launching a 12-day centennial-themed package that will take passengers along the entirety of the 470-mile railroad. The new limited edition Centennial Special travel package includes destinations all along the main line, including time in Seward, Anchorage, the remote Spencer Glacier whistle stop, Denali National Park and Preserve, and Fairbanks.
Now through mid-May, the Aurora Winter Train will take passengers to Anchorage, Talkeetna, Fairbanks, and other stops. The Aurora Winter Train operates on weekends with additional midweek departures starting in February.
The railroad has also commissioned centennial-focused artwork by two artists from Alaska’s interior region, including Nenana, where the railroad was completed. The artwork is featured on official 2023 prints, posters and other merchandise available at the railroad’s gift shops and ticket windows. The public can meet artists William “Art” Chase from North Pole and Noah Nolywaika from Nenana during two sign-and-sale events on Jan. 6 at the depot in Fairbanks and Jan. 14 at the depot in Anchorage. For more information, including history and images of past prints, can be found on the Alaska Railroad website.
Try website http://557.alaskarails.org It has monthly progress reports through November, 2022.
Unfortunately 557 will not be done in time for the ARR centennial. The virus made 2020 a low productivity year. But for that, the loco would probably be done by now. So far the tender is done, the running gear is done, the brake system has been upgraded to 26L, and plans for PTC are in place. PTC will allow 557 to run on ARR main lines. The boiler is done except for the tubes and flues and this installation should happen soon. Since the FRA 1,472 day boiler service clock starts with tube installation, this has been left to almost last to maximize how long 557 can run.
The project relies on volunteer labor, in-kind donations from many companies and private money. The web site tells how to donate to this neat project.
Engine#557 went to Alaska in about 1944 as a US Army locomotive[ one of Twelve sent]….It was last operated there in 1962….As some point it was repatriated back to the ‘Lower 48’; later, was then returned to Alaska , in about 2012…
Hopefully; to be returned to service(?)…An effort was started, partially funded, and now apparently unheralded, and unreported (?) Their last entry on their website seems to be dated in 2014 (/)…
Will the 2-8-0 restoration be done in time for these festivities?