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 Post subject: Steam (returning/being restored/being rebuilt) in 2020
PostPosted: Sun Apr 19, 2020 4:43 am 

Joined: Sun Feb 24, 2013 1:09 am
Posts: 146
Location: St. Louis, MO
There have been quite a few steam locomotives getting a lot of TLC as they move closer to operating under their own power once again.

My post on this last year went over very well, so I decided to do another one for this year.

So, let's first do a recap of the steam locomotives returned to operation in 2019.

- UP 4-8-8-4 Big Boy #4014 returned to operation in time for the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad on May 10th, 2019 (also marking the first time a Big Boy has moved under his own power in ~60 years), and he then toured the Upper Midwest and the Southwest. “THE KING OF STEAM” HAS RETURNED!

- Middle Fork 3-truck Climax #9 had her restoration completed and was operational in 2019. She has joined Cass' numerous Shays and Heisler. Way to go, Cass & D&GVR!

- N&W 4-8-0 #475 started, and finished, her 1472 SDI. She returned to service in the fall, and N&W 4-8-4 #611 joined in the festivities of #475 coming out of her 1472 SDI. Nicely done, Strasburg! [Thanks Kelly Anderson]

- Jones and Laughlin Steel (narrow-gauge) 0-4-0T #58 has been successfully rebuilt and operated multiple times last year. Well done, guys! You should be very proud. [Thanks Rick Rowlands]

- Sierra Railway 2-8-0 #28 has returned to service at Railtown 1897. Congratulations, guys! Job well done. [Thanks o484]

- Conway Scenic 0-6-0 #7470 has been returned to service, and the Conway Scenic Railroad is considering the idea of also restoring Maine Central 2-8-0 #501 in the not-so-distant future. [Thanks steamchaser]

- D&RG 4-6-0 #168 was fully restored to operational condition at the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad shops in Antonito, and she had test runs to show she's up and running. Great job, C&TS! [Thanks o anderson]

- Georgetown Loop 2-8-0 #40 has returned to service in Silver Plume. [Thanks Tails]

- Duluth & Northeastern 2-8-0 #28 returned to service again after having some extensive running gear work (and a little 'facelift'), and she even got to greet "The King of the Rails" when he visited on his tour through the Upper Midwest. [Thanks The Fireman]

- WP&Y 2-8-2 #73 was successfully restored back to operation and has already made multiple successful runs. Congratulations, WP&Y! I'm glad she's up and running again.

- While not an operational restoration, the Age of Steam Roundhouse achieved what many considered almost impossible and acquired B&LE 2-10-4 #643. The locomotive has been moved to the roundhouse, and the locomotive will be cosmetically restored.

Now, let’s recap what has already been accomplished so far, what is currently/still being worked on, and what has gotten started in 2020.

- While not a specific locomotive, probably the biggest news so far in 2020 is that the EBT has been purchased and is going to be brought back into service. Many of us never thought EBT would get a third chance, and I know we’re all so happy to be wrong about that. Congratulations all around! I can’t wait to see the place when everything is up and running.

- D&RGW (D&S) 2-8-2 #493 has been returned to service, and the D&S crews have already made several successful test runs. [Thanks o484]

- FEC 4-6-2 #148 has just been successfully restored to operation, and she has already made a public test run. It is amazing that U.S. Sugar has been able to do what most people had written off. Congratulations, U.S. Sugar! I can’t wait to see #148 pulling trains again soon.

- C&O (WMSR) 2-6-6-2 #1309 recently received a wave of donations and is (essentially) approaching the home straight of her restoration. Hopefully, it won’t be much longer, and “Maryland Thunder” will be up and running.

- AT&SF 4-8-4 #2926 is on the verge of being fully restored and operable. She will be quite a sight when she's finished up and fired up.

- AT&SF 4-8-4 #3751 is finishing up her rebuild, and she could be operable this year (if things go well).

- B&M 4-6-2 #3713 is still being restored at Steamtown, and, with some luck, we will see her run under her own power in the not-so-distant future. I know she will look really nice, but, personally, I hope they install the "earmuffs" (small smoke deflectors) on her again at some point.

- RDG 4-8-4 #2100 is steadily getting closer and closer to finishing up her restoration, and what a sight she will be. It will be a truly wonderful day to see her in her former glory again.

- RDG 4-8-4 #2102 has had her restoration proceeding very nicely (and mostly under the radar), and it appears that she might be operable (if things go well) before the end of the year.

- With J. Neils Lumber Company 3-truck Shay #5 now up and running, and Frisco 2-10-0 #1630 still operating well, UP 2-8-0 #428 is now getting some more focused attention on her restoration. I think this ol' girl has been very patient, and, now, she's going to be getting a lot of TLC.

- Middletown & Hummelstown is continuing to restore CN 2-6-0 #91 as time and finances permit. It will be nice to see her up and running again.

- NC&StL 4-8-4 #576 is currently being restored to operation, and the NSPS has very recently received a $200,000 donation to #576’s restoration. I'm so glad that things are going so right for her, and what a beauty she will be when she's finished.

- Alaska RR 2-8-0 #557 is moving even closer towards operation. Best of luck, guys, and keep going strong.

- Maine Central 4-6-2 #470 is continuing to move along very nicely with her restoration. I can't even imagine how beautiful she will be once she is up and running.

- GTW 2-8-2 #4070 continues to move along with her restoration. While she is still quite a ways from being finished, here's hoping it won't be too long before she's running down the rails again.

- It was announced on New Year's Day 2019 that WK&S 0-6-0T #65 was taken into the shop, and it appears that she is going to be restored back to operation. Congratulations, WK&S! I'm so glad you're bringing her back to steam, and I hope her restoration goes by as smoothly as possible.

- St. Louis Southwestern (Cotton Belt) 4-8-4 #819 is being discussed as being restored (VERY slowly) to operation as time, money, and volunteers allow. I do hope she is able to get up and running again in the future.

- UP (Heber Valley Railroad) 2-8-0 #618 is still moving along steadily with her restoration (as best as we know) as resources are available, and the plan, at this time, is that she could be operational sometime this year. [Thanks burbri45]

- D&RGW 2-8-0 #223 has been in restoration for 20 years now. Her tender is basically complete (minus some miscellaneous components) and painted. At this point, the emphasis of the work will be on the locomotive (with the drivers & axles being the main goal for this year). Unfortunately, last year, the restoration crew was locked out from where the locomotive is housed, and restoration work has been brought to a stop. Here's hoping things can be resolved and restoration can resume soon. [Thanks burbri45]

- C&NW 4-6-0 #1385 had a new boiler made in St. Louis, and that has been completed and shipped back. The running gear is all but done and may be finished soon. There will be a lot of work to be done to make the new boiler fit all the appliances and frame, but work is continuing on. [Thanks John Risley]

- PRR 4-4-4-4 #5550 is still steadily being constructed. She is well over 30% complete. [Thanks NS6770fan]

- US Army/Navy S100 0-6-0T #5002 began her restoration at the shop of Brett Goertemoeller, owner of BMG Railroad Contractors, LLC. They have made fast progress already (including performing the ultrasound), and it looks like it might not take too long before she’s running again if things continue at this pace. [Thanks airforcerail]

- New Hope Valley 0-4-0T #17 is very close to having her restoration finished and should return to service in the near future after being out of service for ~2 years while undergoing its mandated FRA work. [Thanks Evan]

- NP 0-6-0 #924 is progressing along steadily at the Northwest Railway Museum, and here's hoping it won't be too long before she's operational. [Thanks o anderson]

- WP 0-6-0 #165 has its tender completed, and the boiler repairs are getting close to being completed at the Portola Railway Museum. [Thanks o anderson]

- RGS 4-6-0 #20 left the Strasburg shops in 2019 and returned to the Colorado Railroad Museum for final assembly and restoration tasks. Hopefully, it won't be much longer before she is up and running. [Thanks o anderson]

- WW&F 0-4-4T #10's new boiler should be completed and installed in the near future. [Thanks elecuyer]

- NP 4-6-0 #1364 has also been receiving some work up at Toppenish, Washington. [Thanks Les Beckman]

- Santa Maria Valley 2-8-2 #21 appears (based off of their website) to be progressing along nicely in her restoration in Astoria, Oregon. [Thanks Les Beckman]

- U. S. Army / Virginia Blue Ridge Ry. / Morris County Central RR 0-6-0 #4039 (VBR #5) is also making progress. The new boiler is almost completed over in Colorado, and the boiler tubes were shipped from Whippany to Colorado several months ago. The original plans were to install them once the boiler was shipped to Whippany and mounted on the frame, but that changed in 2018. A new cab has been constructed, and the tender has been completely rebuilt, along with all the appliances. Once the new (welded) boiler is mounted, the final assembly can take place. [Thanks Al Holleuffer] (P.S. How have things been? I haven't heard from you in a few years.)

- C&NW 4-6-0 #175 has already begun to receive some serious work from SRI. She will be a very nice addition for them when all is said and done. [Thanks Les Beckman]

- WP&Y 2-8-0 #69 might also be running in the near future (for the first time since 2013). [Thanks JohnHillier]

- San Antonio & Aransas Pass 4-4-0 #60 is about ready to have its boiler ultrasounded, and, apparently, G&O owner Pete Clausen wants them to get started on W&L #203 as well. [Thanks southern154]

- Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad 2-6-0 #5 entered its third year of restoration in Nevada City, CA. The 1960 "Quickfire" Dixon boiler installed by Universal Studios will be replaced with a replica boiler (and closer to the original) that was built for a sister Baldwin 2-6-0 locomotive, "Glenbrook." The Carson & Tahoe Flume & Lumber locomotive in Carson City has been restored with modern repairs to its existing boiler. [Thanks o anderson]

- Little River Railroad 4-6-2 #110 is in the shop. It is uncertain if this is for the 1472 day rebuild or not. [Thanks Les Beckman]

- US Army #4023 / Virginia Blue Ridge #9 / New Hope and Ivyland 0-6-0 #9 is still undergoing an extensive operational restoration at the SMS shops in Bridgeport, NJ. Once it is completed, the railroad plans to use the locomotive to supplement its diesel fleet used to switch cars in and around the facility. [Thanks Mgoldman]

- Oregon Railroad & Navigation 4-6-2 #197 is slowly, but steadily, undergoing a lengthy operational restoration by a group named the "Friends of the OR&N 197". [Thanks Mgoldman]

- WP&Y 2-8-0 #61 is an outside-frame locomotive that once was in the Skagway River as rip-rap. Stathi Pappas, the current owner, and his Stockton Locomotive Works are slowly working on this project as time is available. The ultrasound of the boiler shell was good, and the driver bearing surfaces (and more) were faced off. On Febraury 20th, 2019, the frame arrived at Stockton Locomotive Works, and it was unloaded and rolled into the shop. It’s great to see another locomotive getting yet another chance at life. [Thanks Brian Norden]

- The V&T 2-6-0 “Lyon” is a full size standard gauge wood burning replica steam locomotive being built by the Mason City & Clear Lake Electric Railroad Historical Society. The locomotive was donated (earlier this year) to the Nevada State RR Museum at Carson City, NV for completion. I can only imagine how wonderful she will look when she is finished. [Thanks Mgoldman & Alexander D. Mitchell IV]

- SP 2-8-2 #786 continues to make slow, but steady, progress in her restoration to service. The Strasburg shop has also done some past work for the group. [Thanks Les Beckman]

- Nevada Northern 2-8-0 #81 continues to have work done, and donations for her restoration are still coming in. [Thanks Brian Norden]

- SP&S 4-8-4 #700 is proceeding very nicely in her rebuild, and they are expecting her to return to service very soon. [Thanks Les Beckman]

- CN 4-6-2 #5080 has been “sold” to the Aspen Crossing Railway Corporation “…where it will be resurrected within two years and get her back on track”. It appears that as of March 18th, 2019, the project is getting underway in regards to moving the locomotive and tender. [Thanks Mgoldman]

- Weyerhaeuser Timber Co. 2-6-6-2T No. 108 is being restored at Black Hills Central Railroad, and the locomotive appears to be nearing completion with an expected return to operation this year (hopefully). [Thanks hullmat991]

- Mississippi Central (Wilmington & Western) 4-4-0 #98 is down for her 1472. Hopefully, it won't be too long before this beautiful "American" is running once again.

- Cummer & Sons Cypress 2-6-2 #104 is currently attempting to raise donations to begin an operation restoration for the locomotive at the Florida Railroad Museum. Link: https://www.facebook.com/FIREUP104/phot ... =3&theater

- C&O 2-8-4 #2716 is proceeding along with her restoration very nicely, and they hope to have her operable in the near future. [Thank you, soups] {Late addition}

I know that AoSR is continuing to work on their locomotives, and the Everett Railroad has ideas for Huntingdon & Broad Top Mountain 2-8-0 #38, but I don't have a clear idea on where they stand with their projects at this time. If anyone has more detailed information on any of these locomotives that they are safe to share, please feel more than welcome to do so.

When I first started this list last year, it contained only 14 steam locomotives under restoration to operation, and it grew to 52 locomotives by years end (over 3× the original starting number). That was truly amazing, and it really brings a smile to my face to see so much steam moving towards operation again.

If there are any other steam locomotives that started (or are still undergoing) an operational restoration, please feel free to list which locomotive it is (and roughly where things stand, if you know). Likewise, if you know any additional details (that can be shared) for any of the locomotives already mentioned, please feel free to inform me. We could always use more good news in regards to steam.

{Lastly, while it isn't currently being restored, U.S. Army / TVRM #610 was pushed into the shops around September 2018 for evaluation on the feasibility of possibly restoring her again. With no official word from TVRM (that I'm aware of at this time), I guess we'll see what happens.}

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- Diesels are boxcars with an engine, but steam is an iron horse.


Last edited by SteamEnthusiast4000 on Sat Apr 25, 2020 1:28 am, edited 4 times in total.

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 Post subject: Re: Steam (returning or being restored) in 2020
PostPosted: Sun Apr 19, 2020 7:46 am 

Joined: Sat Feb 09, 2013 11:26 am
Posts: 57
C&O 2716
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1B7D4NM1ho


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 Post subject: Re: Steam (returning or being restored) in 2020
PostPosted: Sun Apr 19, 2020 8:37 am 

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Location: Maine
MEC 470's replacement tender is about 1 month from delivery. Sensible Covid precautions have slowed the re-engagement of work crews. Once the Maine medical community gives the "all clear", we will be back on task.

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 Post subject: Re: Steam (returning or being restored) in 2020
PostPosted: Sun Apr 19, 2020 10:23 am 

Joined: Wed Sep 06, 2017 11:33 am
Posts: 187
DRGW 223 has basically been put on kibosh due to the lock out, and my gut tells me it's not going to start up again. The Cumbres and Toltec tried to help the Golden Spike RLHS in restarting 223 via aiding in negotiations with Ogden City; but the State of Utah entered as a third party (and the technical owner of the engine) saying they want to stuff and mount it in a planned state museum still a decade off in the future. Ogden City has gas lighted all other parties enough that unless a miracle happens we should consider 223 as "stored" and no longer an active restoration project. It's the unfortunate blend of "not owning the engine" mixed with "not owning the property you're working at," and I can't think of a group more ill-deserving of such bad luck since 223 was a labor of love for its restoration crew. There is pretty good documentation of all this from Ogden's local newspaper, and even with the media throwing their support in favor of the Golden Spike RLHS and Cumbres and Toltec; it seemed to little to sway the politicians in play.

Hopefully reparations can be made where the state or Ogden pay in cold hard cash for the brand new tender, cleaned up appliances, scratch built cab, preliminary work on the running gear, etc. the RLHS has done. Yes the state may legally own the engine as a whole, but a solid 60% of that engine is new build components from the RLHS crew.

UP 618 is a "work when time is available project," and I have my doubts it will be running this year. The railroad has shot themselves in the foot regarding PR over the last years saying "we hope it will be running again by the end of this year!" for several years in a row, that I think the current stance is a "we'll finish it when its finished" now. At the least, its known it's going to be a thorough rebuild and the engine will be like new once restored, but there is no rush. Same for GW 75.


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 Post subject: Re: Steam (returning or being restored) in 2020
PostPosted: Sun Apr 19, 2020 5:35 pm 

Joined: Sat Nov 28, 2015 7:28 pm
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Location: Northern WV
The last I heard only the tender and some of the heavier appliances of B&LE 643 have been moved to the Age of Steam Roundhouse. The boiler/frame/wheels are still in the Pittsburgh area unless they've been moved since April 13th.

https://www.facebook.com/ageofsteamroun ... 298412073/

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 Post subject: Re: Steam (returning or being restored) in 2020
PostPosted: Mon Apr 20, 2020 2:36 am 

Joined: Thu May 06, 2010 10:30 pm
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Location: Bucks County, PA
SteamEnthusiast4000 wrote:
- C&O 2-8-4 #2716 is proceeding along with her restoration very nicely, and I believe the plan is to have her operable before the end of the year or early next year. [Thank you, soups] {Late addition}


Let's not jump the gun on this one - I haven't heard anything regarding 2716 being operable by the end of this year or beginning of next. Especially with everything going on pandemic-wise - a lot of these restorations are most likely going to be delayed or are being delayed - especially if they require volunteer work.

But back to 2716 - I know they're progressing nicely, but I don't think they've attached any specific timeframes to their project yet.

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 Post subject: Re: Steam (returning or being restored) in 2020
PostPosted: Mon Apr 20, 2020 9:37 am 

Joined: Sun Aug 22, 2004 5:55 pm
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Location: Warren, PA
TSRR 4-6-2 500 (ATSF 1316) has been cosmetically restored and is now at Palestine, TX with the 610 and 201. It is now in the original ATSF livery. See TSRR facebook page, this was completed in early March.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_ ... 8179513952

300 (US Army Pershing 2-8-0) aka Southern Pine Lumber 28 is undergoing a heavy running gear rebuild in the Rusk, TX shop.


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 Post subject: Re: Steam (returning or being restored) in 2020
PostPosted: Mon Apr 20, 2020 11:11 am 

Joined: Sun Dec 28, 2014 11:12 pm
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Quote:
Weyerhaeuser Timber Co. 2-6-6-2T No. 108 is being restored at Black Hills Central Railroad, and the locomotive appears to be nearing completion with an expected return to operation this year (hopefully). [Thanks hullmat991]


108 was test fired earlier in Febuary, and is more or less complete and ready for trial runs if she hasn't had them already. The Black Hills Central Facebook page has periodically posted updates.


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 Post subject: Re: Steam (returning or being restored) in 2020
PostPosted: Mon Apr 20, 2020 2:25 pm 

Joined: Wed May 02, 2018 9:22 am
Posts: 11
Holmes Eureka 2-truck Climax #5, located at Roots of Motive Power in CA, is in the process of being retubed. This information was posted in March on their facebook page so it's likely a few years from running.

https://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2 ... OiFgonZWpI

"WILLITS, Calif. – A rare Climax locomotive is under restoration on the West Coast.
Holmes Eureka Lumber No. 4, a two-truck, 60-ton Climax built in 1922, is under restoration at the Roots of Motive Power, a railroad and logging museum in Northern California.

Early this year, a proposal was submitted to the Roots of Motive Power board of directors asking to do an inspection on the locomotive to see if a return to service was possible. It was enthusiastically approved and on Feb. 1 work began. The ultimate goal of the first phase is to pull the tubes out of the boiler and ultrasound the shell. If favorable results are found, then an operational restoration will move forward. Project lead Kyle Stockman, along with Roots members Jelani Hall and Eli Mosher, have removed most of the tubes from the boiler as well as other items. Since the locomotive only needs to meet state boiler code, all involved are optimistic No. 4 will be operational by its centennial in two years.

Of the almost 1,050 locomotives built by the Climax Manufacturing Co., only 20 are still in existence, and of those only three are operational worldwide. The oldest in operation, built in 1919, is the newly overhauled Moore-Keppel & Co. No. 9 at West Virginia’s Cass Scenic Railroad. Next is White Mountain Central No. 6. Built in 1920, it originally worked for the Beebe River Lumber Co. No. 6 not only has the distinction of being a wood burner but is probably the most used Climax to date as it ran nearly every day during tourist season since returning to service in the 1970s. Last is Puffing Billy Railway No. 1694, built in 1928 and operating in Australia.

Holmes Eureka Lumber was built in October 1922 and carries builders' No. 1621. Its early life was spent in Humboldt County, Calif., hauling logs. Early in its life, a tree or other large object fell on the locomotive, damaging the engineer's side of the cab and leading to a sag in the frame which is still visible today. The locomotive was sold in 1937 as No. 38 to the Pacific Lumber Co., in Scotia, Calif., where it worked many years before being retired. In 1955 Bert Rudolph purchased No. 38 and moved it on its own wheels to his home in Willits, Calif.; it spent 35 years there until being acquired by Roots Of Motive Power. The locomotive at that point was rebuilt and repainted as Holmes Eureka Lumber No.4. Due to leaky flues, it last ran in the early 2000s.

Roots of Motive Power is home to many pieces of local logging steam-powered equipment, including locomotives, steam donkeys, and cranes. Many are operational. Every year Roots has events open to the public, including the annual steam-up and barbecue in September where everything that can run will run, and annual Christmas trains."


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 Post subject: Re: Steam (returning or being restored) in 2020
PostPosted: Mon Apr 20, 2020 8:06 pm 

Joined: Sun Feb 24, 2013 1:09 am
Posts: 146
Location: St. Louis, MO
bigjim4life wrote:
SteamEnthusiast4000 wrote:
- C&O 2-8-4 #2716 is proceeding along with her restoration very nicely, and I believe the plan is to have her operable before the end of the year or early next year. [Thank you, soups] {Late addition}


Let's not jump the gun on this one - I haven't heard anything regarding 2716 being operable by the end of this year or beginning of next. Especially with everything going on pandemic-wise - a lot of these restorations are most likely going to be delayed or are being delayed - especially if they require volunteer work.

But back to 2716 - I know they're progressing nicely, but I don't think they've attached any specific timeframes to their project yet.


You are correct. I don't know where my mind was when I said that. I guess I got a little overenthusiastic and optimistic, or maybe I was trying to be very hopeful given this difficult time. Regardless, the statement has been edited to a more accurate statement.

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 Post subject: Re: Steam (returning or being restored) in 2020
PostPosted: Wed Apr 22, 2020 8:16 pm 

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Location: St. Louis, MO
This was just uploaded today. Black Hills Central Railroad just used their newly-restored 2-6-6-2T #108 for a little switching. From the look of the video, #108 looks gorgeous. Hopefully, she'll be pulling passenger trains this year.

https://www.facebook.com/1880train/vide ... &__tn__=-R

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 Post subject: Re: Steam (returning or being restored) in 2020
PostPosted: Sat Apr 25, 2020 1:26 am 

Joined: Sun Feb 24, 2013 1:09 am
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Location: St. Louis, MO
So, after a few corrections and additions were given (or discovered) already, I'm posting a more up-to-date list.

So, let's first do a recap of the steam locomotives returned to operation in 2019.

- Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 Big Boy #4014 returned to operation in time for the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad on May 10th, 2019 (also marking the first time a Big Boy has moved under his own power in ~60 years), and he then toured the Upper Midwest and the Southwest. “THE KING OF STEAM” HAS RETURNED!

- Middle Fork 3-truck Climax #9 had her restoration completed and was operational in 2019. She has joined Cass' numerous Shays and Heisler. Way to go, Cass & D&GVR!

- Norfolk & Western 4-8-0 #475 started, and finished, her 1472 SDI. She returned to service in the fall, and N&W 4-8-4 #611 joined in the festivities of #475 coming out of her 1472 SDI. Nicely done, Strasburg! [Thanks Kelly Anderson]

- Jones and Laughlin Steel (narrow-gauge) 0-4-0T #58 has been successfully rebuilt and operated multiple times last year. Well done, guys! You should be very proud. [Thanks Rick Rowlands]

- Sierra Railway 2-8-0 #28 has returned to service at Railtown 1897. Congratulations, guys! Job well done. [Thanks o484]

- Conway Scenic 0-6-0 #7470 has been returned to service, and the Conway Scenic Railroad is considering the idea of also restoring Maine Central 2-8-0 #501 in the not-so-distant future. [Thanks steamchaser]

- Denver & Rio Grande 4-6-0 #168 was fully restored to operational condition at the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad shops in Antonito, and she had test runs to show she's up and running. Great job, C&TS! [Thanks o anderson]

- Georgetown Loop 2-8-0 #40 has returned to service in Silver Plume. [Thanks Tails]

- Duluth & Northeastern 2-8-0 #28 returned to service again after having some extensive running gear work (and a little 'facelift'), and she even got to greet "The King of the Rails" when he visited on his tour through the Upper Midwest. [Thanks The Fireman]

- White Pass & Yukon 2-8-2 #73 was successfully restored back to operation and has already made multiple successful runs. Congratulations, WP&Y! I'm glad she's up and running again.

- While not an operational restoration, the Age of Steam Roundhouse achieved what many considered almost impossible and acquired Bessemer & Lake Erie 2-10-4 #643. The locomotive is in the process of being moved to the roundhouse, and the locomotive will be cosmetically restored.

Now, let’s recap what has already been accomplished so far, what is currently/still being worked on, and what has gotten started in 2020.

- While not a specific locomotive, probably the biggest news so far in 2020 is that the East Broad Top Railroad has been purchased and is going to be brought back into service. Many of us never thought EBT would get a third chance, and I know we’re all so happy to be wrong about that. Congratulations all around! I can’t wait to see the place when everything is up and running.

- Denver & Rio Grande Western (Durango & Silverton) 2-8-2 #493 has been returned to service, and the D&S crews have already made several successful test runs. [Thanks o484]

- Florida East Coast 4-6-2 #148 has just been successfully restored to operation, and she has already made a public test run. It is amazing that U.S. Sugar has been able to do what most people had written off. Congratulations, U.S. Sugar! I can’t wait to see #148 hopefully pulling trains again soon.

- Weyerhaeuser Timber Co. 2-6-6-2T No. 108 has been restored at the Black Hills Central Railroad, and the locomotive very recently was seen switching cars at Black Hills. I can't wait to see her in action once tourist operations can start.

- Chesapeake & Ohio (Western Maryland Scenic Railroad) 2-6-6-2 #1309 recently received a wave of donations and is (essentially) approaching the home straight of her restoration. Hopefully, it won’t be much longer, and “Maryland Thunder” will be up and running.

- Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe 4-8-4 #2926 is on the verge of being fully restored and operable. She will be quite a sight when she's finished up and fired up.

- Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe 4-8-4 #3751 is finishing up her rebuild, and she could be operable this year (if things go well).

- Boston & Maine 4-6-2 #3713 is still being restored at Steamtown, and, with some luck, we will see her run under her own power in the not-so-distant future. I know she will look really nice, but, personally, I hope they install the "earmuffs" (small smoke deflectors) on her again at some point.

- Reading 4-8-4 #2100 is steadily getting closer and closer to finishing up her restoration, and what a sight she will be. It will be a truly wonderful day to see her in her former glory again.

- Reading 4-8-4 #2102 has had her restoration proceeding very nicely (and mostly under the radar), and it appears that she might be operable (if things go well) before the end of the year.

- With J. Neils Lumber Company 3-truck Shay #5 now up and running, and Frisco 2-10-0 #1630 still operating well, Union Pacific 2-8-0 #428 is now getting some more focused attention on her restoration. I think this ol' girl has been very patient, and, now, she's going to be getting a lot of TLC.

- Middletown & Hummelstown is continuing to restore CN 2-6-0 #91 as time and finances permit. It will be nice to see her up and running again.

- Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis 4-8-4 #576 is currently being restored to operation, and the NSPS has very recently received a $200,000 donation to #576’s restoration. I'm so glad that things are going so right for her, and what a beauty she will be when she's finished.

- Alaska Railroad 2-8-0 #557 is moving even closer towards operation. Best of luck, guys, and keep going strong.

- Maine Central 4-6-2 #470 is continuing to move along very nicely with her restoration. I can't even imagine how beautiful she will be once she is up and running.

- Grand Trunk Western 2-8-2 #4070 continues to move along with her restoration. While she is still quite a ways from being finished, here's hoping it won't be too long before she's running down the rails again.

- It was announced on New Year's Day 2019 that Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern 0-6-0T #65 was taken into the shop, and it appears that she is going to be restored back to operation. Congratulations, WK&S! I'm so glad you're bringing her back to steam, and I hope her restoration goes by as smoothly as possible.

- St. Louis Southwestern (Cotton Belt) 4-8-4 #819 is being discussed as being restored (VERY slowly) to operation as time, money, and volunteers allow. I do hope she is able to get up and running again in the future.

- Union Pacific (Heber Valley Railroad) 2-8-0 #618 is still moving along steadily with her restoration (as best as we know) as resources are available, and the plan, depending on how things go, is that she could be operational in the near future. [Thanks burbri45 & xboxtravis7992]

- Great Western 2-8-0 #75 has been down for quite some time, but, like UP #618, she is slowly, but surely, undergoing a very through rebuild. Hopefully, it won't be too long in the future before we see her under her own power again. [Thanks xboxtravis7992]

- Denver & Rio Grande Western 2-8-0 #223 has been in restoration for 20 years now. Her tender is basically complete (minus some miscellaneous components) and painted. At this point, the emphasis of the work will be on the locomotive (with the drivers & axles being the main goal for this year). Unfortunately, last year, the restoration crew was locked out from where the locomotive is housed, and restoration work has been brought to a stop. Although the situation doesn't look good at this time, here's hoping things can be resolved and restoration can resume. [Thanks burbri45 & xboxtravis7992]

- Chicago & North Western 4-6-0 #1385 had a new boiler made in St. Louis, and that has been completed and shipped back. The running gear is all but done and may be finished soon. There will be a lot of work to be done to make the new boiler fit all the appliances and frame, but work is continuing on. [Thanks John Risley]

- Pennsylvania 4-4-4-4 #5550 is still steadily being constructed. She is well over 30% complete. [Thanks NS6770fan]

- US Army/Navy S100 0-6-0T #5002 began her restoration at the shop of Brett Goertemoeller, owner of BMG Railroad Contractors, LLC. They have made fast progress already (including performing the ultrasound), and it looks like it might not take too long before she’s running again if things continue at this pace. [Thanks airforcerail]

- New Hope Valley 0-4-0T #17 is very close to having her restoration finished and should return to service in the near future after being out of service for ~2 years while undergoing its mandated FRA work. [Thanks Evan]

- Northern Pacific 0-6-0 #924 is progressing along steadily at the Northwest Railway Museum, and here's hoping it won't be too long before she's operational. [Thanks o anderson]

- Western Pacific 0-6-0 #165 has its tender completed, and the boiler repairs are getting close to being completed at the Portola Railway Museum. [Thanks o anderson]

- Rio Grande Southern 4-6-0 #20 left the Strasburg shops in 2019 and returned to the Colorado Railroad Museum for final assembly and restoration tasks. Hopefully, it won't be much longer before she is up and running. [Thanks o anderson]

- Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington 0-4-4T #10's new boiler should be completed and installed in the near future. [Thanks elecuyer]

- Northern Pacific 4-6-0 #1364 has also been receiving some work up at Toppenish, Washington. [Thanks Les Beckman]

- Santa Maria Valley 2-8-2 #21 appears (based off of their website) to be progressing along nicely in her restoration in Astoria, Oregon. [Thanks Les Beckman]

- U. S. Army / Virginia Blue Ridge Ry. / Morris County Central Railroad 0-6-0 #4039 (VBR #5) is also making progress. The new boiler is almost completed over in Colorado, and the boiler tubes were shipped from Whippany to Colorado several months ago. The original plans were to install them once the boiler was shipped to Whippany and mounted on the frame, but that changed in 2018. A new cab has been constructed, and the tender has been completely rebuilt, along with all the appliances. Once the new (welded) boiler is mounted, the final assembly can take place. [Thanks Al Holleuffer] (P.S. How have things been? I haven't heard from you in a few years.)

- Chicago & North Western 4-6-0 #175 has already begun to receive some serious work from SRI. She will be a very nice addition for them when all is said and done. [Thanks Les Beckman]

- White Pass & Yukon 2-8-0 #69 might also be running in the near future (for the first time since 2013). [Thanks JohnHillier]

- San Antonio & Aransas Pass 4-4-0 #60 is about ready to have its boiler ultrasounded, and, apparently, G&O owner Pete Clausen wants them to get started on Washington & Lincolnton #203 as well. [Thanks southern154]

- Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad 2-6-0 #5 entered its third year of restoration in Nevada City, CA. The 1960 "Quickfire" Dixon boiler installed by Universal Studios will be replaced with a replica boiler (and closer to the original) that was built for a sister Baldwin 2-6-0 locomotive, "Glenbrook." The Carson & Tahoe Flume & Lumber locomotive in Carson City has been restored with modern repairs to its existing boiler. [Thanks o anderson]

- Little River Railroad 4-6-2 #110 is in the shop. It is uncertain if this is for the 1472 day rebuild or not. [Thanks Les Beckman]

- US Army #4023 / Virginia Blue Ridge #9 / New Hope and Ivyland 0-6-0 #9 is still undergoing an extensive operational restoration at the SMS shops in Bridgeport, NJ. Once it is completed, the railroad plans to use the locomotive to supplement its diesel fleet used to switch cars in and around the facility. [Thanks Mgoldman]

- Oregon Railroad & Navigation 4-6-2 #197 is slowly, but steadily, undergoing a lengthy operational restoration by a group named the "Friends of the OR&N 197". [Thanks Mgoldman]

- White Pass & Yukon 2-8-0 #61 is an outside-frame locomotive that once was in the Skagway River as rip-rap. Stathi Pappas, the current owner, and his Stockton Locomotive Works are slowly working on this project as time is available. The ultrasound of the boiler shell was good, and the driver bearing surfaces (and more) were faced off. On Febraury 20th, 2019, the frame arrived at Stockton Locomotive Works, and it was unloaded and rolled into the shop. It’s great to see another locomotive getting yet another chance at life. [Thanks Brian Norden]

- The Virginia & Truckee 2-6-0 “Lyon” is a full size standard gauge wood burning replica steam locomotive being built by the Mason City & Clear Lake Electric Railroad Historical Society. The locomotive was donated (earlier this year) to the Nevada State RR Museum at Carson City, NV for completion. I can only imagine how wonderful she will look when she is finished. [Thanks Mgoldman & Alexander D. Mitchell IV]

- Southern Pacific 2-8-2 #786 continues to make slow, but steady, progress in her restoration to service. The Strasburg shop has also done some past work for the group. [Thanks Les Beckman]

- Nevada Northern 2-8-0 #81 continues to have work done, and donations for her restoration are still coming in. [Thanks Brian Norden]

- Spokane, Portland & Southern 4-8-4 #700 is proceeding very nicely in her rebuild, and they are expecting her to return to service very soon. [Thanks Les Beckman]

- Canadian National 4-6-2 #5080 has been “sold” to the Aspen Crossing Railway Corporation “…where it will be resurrected within two years and get her back on track”. It appears that as of March 18th, 2019, the project is getting underway in regards to moving the locomotive and tender. [Thanks Mgoldman]

- Mississippi Central (Wilmington & Western) 4-4-0 #98 is down for her 1472. Hopefully, it won't be too long before this beautiful "American" is running once again.

- Cummer & Sons Cypress 2-6-2 #104 is currently attempting to raise donations to begin an operation restoration for the locomotive at the Florida Railroad Museum. {Link: https://www.facebook.com/FIREUP104/}

- Chesapeake & Ohio 2-8-4 #2716 is proceeding along with her restoration very nicely, and they hope to have her operable in the near future. [Thank you, soups]

- Cowlitz, Chehalis & Cascade 2-8-2 #15 has been down since last year when it was discovered that multiple repairs needed to be done. Earlier this month, the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum received $154,000 from the state of Washington's supplemental capital budget. Hopefully, once work can resume on repairing #15, she might be operable before the end of the year. {Link: http://www.chronline.com/news/chehalis- ... ef459.html}

- Boone & Scenic Valley 2-8-2 #8419 is undergoing her 1472 SDI. The railroad is still trying to raise funds to complete #8419's rebuild and have her in service again as soon as possible.

- Holmes Eureka Lumber No. 4, a two-truck Climax, is under restoration at the Roots of Motive Power, a railroad and logging museum in Northern California. They are hoping to have her operational in two years. Here's hoping them the best of luck.

- Southern Pacific 2-8-2 #745 is undergoing her 1472 SDI. Any donations to the Louisiana Steam Train Association to aid in #745's return to service again would be greatly appreciated.

I know that AoSR is continuing to work on their locomotives, and the Everett Railroad has ideas for Huntingdon & Broad Top Mountain 2-8-0 #38, but I don't have a clear idea on where they stand with their projects at this time. If anyone has more detailed information on any of these locomotives that they are safe to share, please feel more than welcome to do so.

When I first started this list last year, it contained only 14 steam locomotives under restoration to operation. Now, the list of locomotives returned to service/being restored/being rebuilt since the list started sits at 61 locomotives (over 4× the original starting number). That was truly amazing, and it really brings a smile to my face to see so much steam moving towards operation again.

If there are any other steam locomotives that started (or are still undergoing) an operational restoration, please feel free to list which locomotive it is (and roughly where things stand, if you know). Likewise, if you know any additional details (that can be shared) for any of the locomotives already mentioned, please feel free to inform me. We could always use more good news in regards to steam.

{Lastly, while it isn't currently being restored, U.S. Army / TVRM #610 was pushed into the shops around September 2018 for evaluation on the feasibility of possibly restoring her again. With no official word from TVRM (that I'm aware of at this time), I guess we'll see what happens.}

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Chris H.

- Diesels are boxcars with an engine, but steam is an iron horse.


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 Post subject: Re: Steam (returning/being restored/being rebuilt) in 2020
PostPosted: Sat Apr 25, 2020 4:38 am 

Joined: Fri Oct 01, 2004 1:33 pm
Posts: 479
Location: Oroville, CA
Maybe I missed it, but just in case:
Southern Pacific Mogul SP1744 purchased by the Pacific Locomotive Association to be restored to operation. 1744 has been in pieces for many years, so it is good to find it has another chance at life.

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Steamcerely,
David Dewey
Hoping for the return to the American Rivers of the last overnight steamboat, Delta Queen!


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 Post subject: Re: Steam (returning/being restored/being rebuilt) in 2020
PostPosted: Sat Apr 25, 2020 8:01 am 

Joined: Sun Feb 24, 2013 7:16 pm
Posts: 41
Not one mention on PRR1361


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 Post subject: Re: Steam (returning/being restored/being rebuilt) in 2020
PostPosted: Sat Apr 25, 2020 12:15 pm 

Joined: Sun Dec 28, 2014 11:12 pm
Posts: 204
leward wrote:
Not one mention on PRR1361

Has there even been any news on it for the last year? I could of sworn that press conference was in 2018 then nothing but silence...


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