EAST ELY, Nev. — After spending almost $1 million to refurbish 2-8-0 No. 81, the Nevada Northern Railway Museum is issuing a call for a final $166,590 in donations and memberships to complete the 1917 Baldwin Consolidation by mid-summer.
Railroad President Mark Bassett says the engine is 96% complete will be ready for regular service this fall, including the sold out “81 for 81” Trains Magazine event in October, as long as the railroad can raise the money needed to complete the engine. As of May 15, contributors have already kicked in $57,134, leaving a little over $109,000 to be raised.
The railroad released this breakdown of what’s been done so far, the cost, the status, and what’s yet to be done:
- Locomotive disassembly and asbestos abatement: $43,840 – complete.
- Refurbish the frame and drive boxes: $30,760 – complete.
- Refurbish the suspension system: $68,385 – complete.
- Refurbish the running gear: $68,385 – complete.
- Refurbish the engine truck: $12,330 – complete.
- Refurbish and repair tender: $148,420 – 96% complete – remaining cost $5,937.
- Refurbish and repair boiler: $251,346 – 95% complete – remaining cost $12,567.
- Refurbish the locomotive cab: $93,470 – 95% complete – remaining cost $4,674.
- Locomotive reassembly Cost: $137,840 – 87% complete – remaining cost $17,919.
- Refurbish and repair brake system: $111,085 – 50% complete – remaining cost $55,543.
- Refurbish and repair valves and cylinders: $99,930 – 30% complete – remaining cost $69,951.
The railroad is pushing to complete No. 81 as a backup to 2-8-0 No. 93, the only operable steam engine on the property since 4-6-0 No. 40 is out of service for a 1,472-day inspection.
The railroad is offering a variety of random drawing prizes to those who become members, renew, or make donations made by June 5.
For details and to help, visit this page on the railroad’s website.
