Here is where things stand regarding all the current steam locomotive restorations (as best as I can determine right now) and all of the highlights for the past few years since I started doing these threads (so we can remember all that has transpired recently).

[Also, I decided to include links to any of the organizations/railroads/tourist lines that could use donations to either help maintain their steam locomotive(s) or aid in the restoration of their steam locomotive(s). This is by no means an attempt to pressure anyone to donate. I'm just attempting to make it a little easier for anyone who would like to donate to any of these locomotives. If anyone knows a donation link for any of the locomotives that don't have one listed, please feel free to provide it.]


Highlights from 2019

- This is the biggest (literally and figuratively) news that has happened in steam preservation. Union Pacific 4884-1 class 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. #4014 toured the Lower and Central Midwest in 2021. It was awesome to see "The King" in action! “THE KING OF STEAM” HAS RETURNED!

- While not an operational restoration, the Age of Steam Roundhouse achieved what many considered almost impossible and acquired Bessemer & Lake Erie H-1g class 2-10-4 #643. The locomotive is being moved to the roundhouse, and the locomotive will be cosmetically restored.

- Norfolk & Western M class 4-8-0 #475 started, and finished, her 1472 SDI. She returned to service in fall 2019, and N&W J class 4-8-4 #611 joined in the festivities of #475 coming out of her 1472 SDI. Nicely done, Strasburg! [Thanks Kelly Anderson] {Side note: In 2022, #475 had a little run-in with some ROW equipment and had her smokebox door damaged. Fortunately, she wasn't down for long, the door was repaired, and there was not any more pressing damage.}

- White Pass & Yukon 70 class 2-8-2 #73 was successfully restored back to operation and made multiple successful runs. Congratulations, WP&Y! I'm glad she's up and running again.

- 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!

- Duluth & Northeastern [Duluth Missabe & Northern] C-3 class 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]

- Georgetown Loop B-4G class 2-8-0 #40 was returned to service in Silver Plume.
[Thanks Tails]

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

- Denver & Rio Grande Western 47/T-12 class 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]

- Conway Scenic O-18a class 0-6-0 #7470 was returned to service, and the Conway Scenic Railroad is considering the idea of also restoring Maine Central W class 2-8-0 #501 in the future. Here's hoping that does come to fruition. [Thanks steamchaser]

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


Highlights from 2020

- Probably some of the biggest news in 2020. The East Broad Top Railroad was purchased and will be brought back into service. In addition, EBT 14 class 2-8-2 #14 & 16 class 2-8-2 #16 are being worked on and will be returned to operation. 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.

- In a surprise development, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad showed us Chesapeake & Ohio H-6 class 2-6-6-2 #1309 fully steamed up, and she moved under her own power for the first time in over 60 years. Congratulations, WMSR! You succeeded and got #1309 running again. You should be very proud of yourselves. Hopefully, the test runs will go well, and “Maryland Thunder” will be pulling passengers very soon.

- Weyerhaeuser Timber Co. [Potlatch Lumber Company] 24 class 2-6-6-2T No. 108 has been restored at the Black Hills Central Railroad. I can't wait to see her in action once tourist operations can start.

- Denver & Rio Grande Western (Durango & Silverton) K-37 class 2-8-2 #493 was returned to service, and the D&S crews made several successful runs. [Thanks o484]

- Florida East Coast 141 class 4-6-2 #148 was successfully restored to operation, and she made multiple successful runs. 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.

- Little River Railroad 110 class 4-6-2 #110 had her 1472 SDI finished, and she was able to pull the Christmas trains in December 2020. Well done, everyone! You did a great job getting her finished up and running again.

- Rio Grande Southern [Florence & Cripple Creek] T-19 class 4-6-0 #20 was successfully rebuilt, reassembled, and she operated in 2020. Excellent job to all who played a role in her return to operation. You did a magnificent job. [Thanks o anderson]

- Apparently, a 2-ft. gauge Davenport 2-6-2T trench locomotive was restored to operation in late 2020/early 2021. I had no idea that this was even a thing.

- Northern Pacific L-5 class 0-6-0 #924 was successfully fired up at the Northwest Railway Museum, and she even managed to pull a few trains in 2020. Here's hoping we see more of her in 2021. [Thanks o anderson]


Highlights in 2021

- Chesapeake & Ohio (Western Maryland Scenic Railroad) H-6 class 2-6-6-2 #1309 finally had her rebuild completed. She then successfully underwent test runs, and she managed to pull the Polar Express trains at the end of the year. Congratulations, WMSR! After all of the trials and tribulations, you achieved your goal and fully restored #1309. You should all be incredibly proud of yourselves.

- On July 24th 2021, Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe 2900 class 4-8-4 #2926 moved under her own power for the first time since her retirement. Congratulations, NMSLRHS! She will be quite a sight when she's finished up and running at speed.
http://www.nmslrhs.org/Help/howtohelp.php

- Denver & Rio Grande Western (Durango & Silverton) K-28 class 2-8-2 #473 is now the 2nd locomotive at the D&S to undergo a conversion to burn oil, and K-36 class 2-8-2 #480 has also been converted to burn oil.

- Denver & Rio Grande Western (Cumbres & Toltec) K-36 class 2-8-2 #489 finished her 1472 SDI and has been converted to burn oil. (I believe she is the first on the C&TS to burn oil. Please correct me if I'm wrong.) Great job, guys. She looks remarkable.

- Nevada Northern 81 class 2-8-0 #81 has been fully restored and is now operating. Congratulations, NNRy! She looks and sounds fantastic. [Thanks Brian Norden]

- Valley Railroad 2-8-0 #97 has had extensive work done (on what seems like just about everything except her boiler), and she had successful test runs before she joined 2-8-2s #40 & #3025 pulling the North Pole Express trains. Well done, Valley Railroad! I do love hearing #97 run. [Thank you J. David]

- San Joaquin & Eastern (Santa Maria Valley) 205 class 2-6-2 #205 has finished a very long and thorough rebuild, and she has now been purchased by the Albany & Eastern Railroad to pull their Santiam Excursion Trains. She successfully pulled passengers before the end of the year. Congratulations, guys! You did a Grade A job, and she looks gorgeous.

- Bock Lumber Company 1 class 0-4-4T #1 has finished up a multi-year restoration, and the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum has now entered into a long-term agreement to operate #1. She will be the only operating standard-gauge Forney in North America. Well done, everyone. She looks beautiful, and I hope she makes a good name for herself.


Highlights in 2022

- In a shocking announcement, Union Pacific announced that they are donating both Union Pacific 4664-4 class 4-6-6-4 #3985 & TTT-6 class 2-10-2 #5511 to the Railroading Heritage of Midwest America, and they were moved over to their new home late last year. Both locomotives are slated to then be restored back to operation. Congratulations, RRHMA! We wish you the best of luck with returning #3985 to steam and bringing #5511 back under steam for the first time since the end of the steam era.

- Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe 3751 class 4-8-4 #3751 finished her 1472 SDI, and she "was a live participant at an Amtrak safety event in Fullerton in September and...looks like she provided power on at least one leg (if not both ways) from her base." Congratulations, guys! Hopefully, we will get to see more videos of #3751 pulling trains again soon. [Thanks Joshua K. Blay]

- Reading T-1 class 4-8-4 #2102 had her restoration completed early in 2022, and she has already made several successful runs this year. Way to go, Reading & Northern! She looks, and sounds, absolutely phenomenal!

- Denver & Rio Grande Western (Durango & Silverton) K-28 class 2-8-2 #476 has also been converted to burn oil, joining the likings of #473, #480, #482, & #493. Well done to Al Harper. I will miss the smell of coal smoke the next time I go to the D&S, but at least the D&S will still be operating steam power.

- Southern H-4 class 2-8-0 #401 was returned to operation in 2022. Well done, MRM! She looks phenomenal, and she sounds as good as new. {Personal note: #401, and the people at MRM, helped make 2022 a special year for me when they, along with some very close friends, helped me pull off my proposal to my now fiancée. Thank you very much for helping make that such a memorable day.}

- Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad 2-6-0 #5 "Tahoe" has had her restoration in Nevada City, CA completed, and she was in attendance, and operated, at the Great Western Steam Up in July. Nicely done, everybody! She looks amazing.

- Western Pacific S-34 class 0-6-0 #165 was successfully test fired on 11/12/21, and she has successfully run multiple times in 2022. Well done, everyone!


Highlights in 2023

- Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe 2900 class 4-8-4 #2926 ran on the main line for the first time since her retirement. Congratulations, NMSLRHS! Things can only keep getting better for this old girl. http://www.nmslrhs.org/Help/howtohelp.php

- Pere Marquette N-1 class 2-8-4 #1225 had her 1472 SDI completed, and she ran again near the end of the year. Well done, SRI! It's always good knowing "The Polar Express" is running.

- China State Railways (Boone & Scenic Valley) JS/Jianshe class 2-8-2 #8419 was steamed back up. Congratulations, B&SV! Good job getting #8419 up and running again.

- East Broad Top 16 class 2-8-2 #16 was returned into service and ran several times. Congratulations, EBT! I'm so glad to see steam running again on this line. [Thanks mfpguy]

- Frisco/St. Louis-San Francisco 1350 class 2-8-2 #1352 has been purchased by the Valley Railroad in Essex, CT. She will be the 4th steam locomotive on their roster and will be the biggest of the 4 locomotives. Way to go, Valley Railroad! It'll be good to see another Frisco steam locomotive running.

- Denver & Rio Grande Western C-18 class 2-8-0 #315 was fired up for its first steam test on January 4th, 2023 after its 1472 SDI. Way to go, everyone! It'll be good to see her running again.

- Rio Grande Southern [Denver & Rio Grande Western] 70/C-19 class 2-8-0 #41 was rebuilt at the Durango & Silverton shops, run on the D&S, and then moved back to Knott's Berry Farm. Way to go, D&S shops! [Thanks Jennie K]

- Canadian Pacific H-1-b class 4-6-4 #2816 has been restored and is running again. Congratulations, CPKC! “The Empress” is running the rails again.

- Canadian Pacific G5 class 4-6-2 #1238 has been acquired by the Waterloo Central Railway. Congratulations, WCR! Here's hoping we'll be seeing another Pacific running the rails again in the not-so-distant future. https://waterloocentralrailway.com/equipment/cpr1238/

- U.S. Army S155 class 0-6-0 #4023 / Virginia Blue Ridge #9 / New Hope and Ivyland #9 / SMS #9 was steamed up and has run multiple times. Congratulations, SMS! I can't wait to see more footage of #9 after she is cosmetically finished and running more.


Currently in 2024

- Union Pacific 4664-4 class 4-6-6-4 #3985 has made great strides on her operational restoration at the Railroading Heritage of Midwest America, and TTT-6 class 2-10-2 #5511 has also made strides on her restoration. I wish RHMA the best of luck with returning #3985 to steam and bringing #5511 back under steam after #3985 is done. https://rrhma.com/support-rrhma/ & https://rrhma.com/double_match/

- China State Railways (Iowa Interstate) QJ class 2-10-2 #6988 ran out of flue time, and, hopefully, her 1472 SDI will be starting in the near future. Here's hoping it's not too long before she's running the rails again.

- Southern Pacific F-1 class 2-10-2 #982 is being moved to the Texas Railroading Heritage Museum, and the Texas Railway Preservation Society will be working to restore her to operation. Best of luck to all involved. It'll be something to see a US-built 2-10-2 operating again someday. https://www.trpahouston.org/donate-now

- Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis J3-57 class 4-8-4 #576 is currently being restored to operation, and the NSPS has been making good, steady progress with #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. https://www.nashvillesteam.org/donate/

- Reading T-1 class 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. https://www.fireup2100.org/donate/

- St. Louis Southwestern/Cotton Belt L1 class 4-8-4 #819 is currently being cosmetically restored as an operational restoration is proving difficult at this time (but I don't think it's out of the question). I do hope she is able to get up and running again one day in the future.

- Spokane, Portland & Seattle E-1 class 4-8-4 #700 is proceeding very nicely in her rebuild. Hopefully, #700 will be returning to service very soon. [Thanks Les Beckman] https://www.sps700.org/contribute/2016R ... ters.shtml

- Pennsylvania T-1b class 4-4-4-4 #5550 is still steadily being constructed and moving closer and closer to completion. She is currently at least 40% complete. [Thanks NS6770fan] https://prrt1steamlocomotivetrust.org/station/

- Canadian National U-1-f class 4-8-2 #6060 appears to have started receiving some work on her latest restoration. "The Rocky Mountain Rail Society that owns the locomotive up in Alberta, Canada has decided to commence work on the 4-8-2 even though not all of the funds for her restoration are currently available." [Thanks Les Beckman] https://6060.org/donations-page

- Chesapeake & Ohio K-4 class 2-8-4 #2716 is proceeding along with her (very thorough) restoration very nicely, and they hope to have her operable in the not-to-distant future. [Update: KSHC has signed an agreement to run #2716 in New England after her restoration is finished. That will be quite the sight.] [Thank you, soups]
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_b ... P39ZNB3UMY

- Caddo & Choctaw (Yreka Western) R L Rowan class 2-8-2 #19 is being restored to operation at the Age of Steam Roundhouse. Here's hoping it won't be long before she's running under her own power again in the near future. [Thanks WVNorthern]

- Crossett Western Company 10 class 2-8-2T #10 is currently undergoing her 1472-day inspection at the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad. Hopefully, it won't be too much longer before she is back at work pulling passengers on the line.

- Denver & Rio Grande Western K-27 class 2-8-2 #464 is getting rebuilt at the Huckleberry Railroad. Hopefully, it won't be too long before she is up and running again alongside U.S. Army 4-6-0 #152.

- Grand Trunk Western S-3-a class 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.
https://www.midwestrailway.org/article/restoration-4070

- China State Railways (New York, Susquehanna & Western) SY class 2-8-2 #142 has been making very good progress on her 1472 SDI. Hopefully, it won't be too much longer before she's pulling trains again. http://tnyswthsi.shuttlepod.org/donate.htm

- Polson Logging 90 class 2-8-2 #90 is being saved and restored by the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad. Hopefully, she will be up and running one day. https://www.savethepolson90.org/

- Puget Sound & Cascade (Cowlitz, Chehalis & Cascade) 200 class 2-8-2 #15 has been down for a while when it was discovered that multiple repairs needed to be done. Early in 2020, the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum received $154,000 from the state of Washington's supplemental capital budget, and, early this year, #15 underwent a thorough inspection from Stathi Pappas. There is still quite a bit to do, but here's hoping it won't be too long before she is running again. https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?c ... source=url

- Santa Maria Valley 21 class 2-8-2 #21 appears (based off of their website) to be progressing along nicely in her restoration in Astoria, Oregon. [Thanks Les Beckman] https://www.astoriarailroad.org/index.html

- Southern Pacific Mk-5 class 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. http://www.lasta.org/sp-745/

- Southern Pacific Mk-5 class 2-8-2 #786 continues to make slow, but steady, progress in her restoration to service. The Strasburg shops have also done some past work for the group. [Thanks Les Beckman] https://www.austinsteamtrain.org/donate-786-fund/

- Alaska Railroad S160 class 2-8-0 #557 is moving even closer towards operation. Best of luck, guys, and keep going strong. http://557.alaskarails.org/support/index.html

- Arcade & Attica 2-8-0 #18 is still down for repairs. In August 2022, "the extensively overhauled frame and running gear were returned to the shops." On Halloween 2023, the boiler returned to the shops. I'm glad to hear that she is getting closer to running again. https://235ffd4e-b927-42a2-a3c0-685f180 ... d979ac.pdf & https://fh-sites.imgix.net/sites/4697/2 ... nt-2-1.jpg

- Buffalo Creek & Gauley 4 class 2-8-0 #4 is being restored at Cass, WV. It'll be nice to see a rod locomotive operating at Cass (especially since the tracks from Cass to Durbin have finally been restored). Good luck, everyone. https://www.steamthe4.com/?flow=507014

- Denver & Rio Grande Western C-16 class 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). Unfortunately, in 2019, the restoration crew was locked out from where the locomotive is housed, and restoration work was brought to a stop. In early November 2022, #223 was inspected by Stathi Pappas, and he found the work done by the R&LHS Golden Spike Chapter to be sound. His findings will be included in the restoration report, and here’s hoping that the State of Utah will allow the restoration to resume. In October 2023, it was decided that ownershi of the locomotive will be transferred to the City of Ogden, and city officials say they plan to resume the restoration efforts for #223. Here's hoping #223 gets her chance at operating again. [Thanks burbri45 & xboxtravis7992] https://gsrlhs.home.blog/2021/11/05/223 ... tion-work/ & https://www.standard.net/news/local/202 ... -to-ogden/

- Great Western 75 class 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]

- Huntingdon & Broad Top Mountain 37 class 2-8-0 #38 "is progressing on a low priority basis with passenger cars consuming more of the capital dollars at the moment. Firebox repairs should be completed in 2021 at which point we will turn our attention to the running gear." [Thanks Alan Maples]

- Lake Superior & Ishpeming (Western Maryland Scenic Railroad) 18/SC-1 class 2-8-0 #734 [#34] needs a thorough rebuild from drivers to smokestack. Hopefully, we'll see the day where "Maryland Thunder" & "Mountain Thunder" are operating side-by-side. https://wmsr.com/donate

- Lake Superior & Ishpeming (Grand Canyon Railway) SC-3 class 2-8-0 #29 is down for her 1472 SDI and is hoping to be running early this year if there are no hiccups. [Thanks Alexander D. Mitchell IV]

- Lake Superior & Ishpeming SC-4 class 2-8-0 #18 has been acquired by the Colebrookdale Railroad and will be restored to operation alongside Grand Trunk Western 4-6-2 #5030. Best of luck, everyone.
https://www.colebrookdalerailroad.com/steam/donate/

- Soo Line F-21-S class 2-8-0 #2425 was purchased by Mineral Range Railroad in Michigan for restoration. Has anyone heard anything about her since 2019?

- Union Pacific 420-superheated class 2-8-0 #428 is now getting some more focused attention on her restoration (since J. Neils Lumber Company 3-truck Shay #5 is now up and running and Frisco 1613 class 2-10-0 #1630 is still operating well). I think this ol' girl has been very patient, and, now, she's going to be getting a lot of TLC.
https://www.irm.org/up428/

- Union Pacific (Heber Valley Railroad) C-2 class 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] https://www.hebervalleyrr.org/the-no-61 ... tion-blog/

- Washington & Lincolnton 203 class 2-8-0 #203 has had her boiler ultrasounded and should be received new tubes in 2022. Hopefully, she'll be running alongside Southern 458 class 2-8-0 #154 again soon. [Thanks RookieFireman]

- White Pass & Yukon 61 class 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. A lot of work has been done on this locomotive, and I can't wait to see how good she will look when she's finished and operating again. It’s great to see another locomotive getting yet another chance at life. [Thanks Brian Norden]

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

- Anaconda Company #7 [Western Lumber #3] 3-truck Willamette is undergoing work at the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula. Bearings and appliances are being gone through with hope for steam on or near it's 100 birthday. The Historical Museum has a progress link on its page for those who are interested. [Thanks AlderGulch12] https://fortmissoulamuseum.org/support/save-the-train/

- Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe 3400 class 4-6-2 #3415 went down (again) for her 1472 SDI (after a 1-year reprieve). Plus, Heritage Rail Management, an American Heritage Railways subsidiary, announced they are partnering with the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad to both help expand out their operations/boost ridership and aid in #3415's overhaul. Best of luck to you, guys! https://railfan.com/american-heritage-r ... ky-valley/

- Atlantic Coast Line P-5-A class 4-6-2 #1504 was acquired by U.S. Sugar, and she will be restored to operate alongside #148. Personally, I'm very happy for U.S. Sugar for acquiring #1504 and planning to restore her to operation, but I, personally, hope she is able to keep her ACL livery.

- Boston & Maine P-4a class 4-6-2 #3713 is still being restored at Steamtown (as best we know), and, hopefully, we will see her run under her own power again. I know she will look really nice, but, personally, I hope they install the "earmuffs" (small smoke deflectors) on her again at some point. http://www.project3713.com/support-3713/

- Canadian National J-4-a class 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]

- Grand Trunk Western J-3a class 4-6-2 #5030 was purchased by the Colebrookdale Railroad and will eventually be restored to operation. Hopefully, we will hear more on this as things develop, and here's hoping it won't be too long before she's running under her own power again. https://www.colebrookdalerailroad.com/steam/donate/

- Gulf, Mobile & Northern (Reading & Northern) 425 class 4-6-2 #425 has gone down for her 1472 SDI. Hopefully, with Reading 4-8-4 #2102 now up and running, it won't be too long before #425 is back under steam again.

- Louisville & Nashville K-2A class 4-6-2 #152 has been under restoration for quite some time. Hopefully, she can be finished up and pull passengers again someday soon. https://www.kyrail.org/restore-the-ln-152/

- Maine Central C-3 class 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. https://www.newenglandsteam.org/getinvolved

- Oregon Railroad & Navigation P-2 class 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]

- Pennsylvania K4s class 4-6-2 #1361 has generally been viewed with quite a bit of pessimism regarding her ever operating under her own power again. That being said, Wick Moorman has outlined a new strategic plan to bring #1361 back into service. It looks like #1361 is getting another chance at running again (and a pretty good one from how this looks). [Thank you, Ross Rowland] https://railroadcity.square.site/produc ... gory_id=14

- Southern Pacific P-10 class 4-6-2 #2479 has been under restoration for quite some time. Hopefully, she can be finished and operated again one day. https://ctrc.org/about-ctrc/donate

- Canadian National H-6-g class 4-6-0 #1392 had a tube replaced this winter and more recently passed her hydro at the Alberta Railway Museum. Hopefully, it won't be long before she's moving under her own power again. [Thanks SD70dude]

- Chicago & North Western R-1 class 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] https://michigansteamtrain.charityproud.org/Donate

- Chicago & North Western R-1 class 4-6-0 #1385 has had steady work done on her restoration throughout the years. Hopefully, it won't be too much longer before she's fired up once again. [Thanks John Risley] https://www.midcontinent.org/category/cnw-1385/

- Denver & Rio Grande Western 47/T-12 class 4-6-0 #169 is raising funds for a restoration to operation. Hopefully, we'll see another T-12 class 4-6-0 running the narrow-gauge rails in the future. https://www.friendsof169.com/?page_id=262

- Long Island G5s class 4-6-0 #39 is still trying to raise funds for her restoration by the Strasburg Railroad. Hopefully, she can have her funds raised and be restored someday in the near future. https://rmli.org/steam-up-engine-39/

- Nevada Northern R E Noble class 4-6-0 #40 went down for her 1472 SDI. Hopefully, it won't be very long before "The Ghost Train" is running once again. https://nnry.com/pages/pick-your-part.php

- Northern Pacific S-4 class 4-6-0 #1364 has also been receiving some work up at Toppenish, Washington. As of January 10th, 2021, "Today is a landmark day for the 1364. The Steam Crew guys completely assembled all the superheater tubes and installed them into the manifold.. We are now much closer to the final Federal Railway Administration final inspection." On October 25, 2021, the steam dome was removed from the locomotive. Best of luck, guys. Keep going strong. [Thanks Les Beckman] https://nprymuseum.org/help-out/

- Cliffside 2-6-2 #110 appears to be undergoing an operation restoration that has managed to slip under the radar. Hopefully, they can get a little more attention to the locomotive and get her running again one day. https://www.triangletrain.com/donate/

- 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. https://www.facebook.com/FIREUP104/

- Ventura Country Railway 2-6-2 #2 has gone down for her 1472 SDI. The Southern California Railway Museum is hoping to get her running again in the near future. https://socalrailway.org/sco-campaign/

- Canadian National E-10-a class 2-6-0 #91 is continuing to be restored by the Middletown & Hummelstown as time and finances permit. According to the most recent report, "The boiler was successfully pressure tested, but, unfortunately, the tubes need to be removed to satisfy the 1472 inspection. The engine was only run for 116 days of the last inspection, so everything should be fine." [Thanks Blade3562]

- Southern Pacific M-6 class 2-6-0 #1744 was purchased by the Pacific Locomotive Association, and they plan to restore her to operation. They continually provide updates on the restoration of #1744. Most recent: https://www.ncry.org/blog/2023-season-o ... r-sp-1744/ [Thanks David Dewey] https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_b ... 3ABGFK22FQ

- 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 in 2020) 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]

- 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 wishing them the best of luck.

- Wild Goose Railroad 2-truck Climax #3 "has been successfully retrieved from Alaska by Corry RAILS and arrived in Corry, PA, the home of all Climax locomotives, on October 16, 2020". Once warmer weather arrives, the plan is to begin sorting through all of the parts, evaluating the condition of everything, and then starting the restoration of "the only known original and nearly complete Climax Class "A", back to full steam operation". Good luck, guys. [Thanks Carl W] https://corryrails.com/

- Canadian National O-9-a class 0-6-0 #7312 is still undergoing her 1472 SDI at Strasburg, but it appears that there has been quite a bit of new development in this as of recently. Hopefully, she will run again one day soon.

- Union Pacific S-4 class 0-6-0 #4420 is apparently being slowly, but steadily, being restored back to operational status. Here's hoping for the best for her return to steam. https://www.steamengine4420.org/blank-page

- U.S. Army/Navy S100 class 0-6-0T #5002 began her restoration at the shop of Brett Goertemoeller, owner of BMG Railroad Contractors, LLC. They made fast progress early (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]
https://www.armysteam.com/

- U.S. Army S155 class 0-6-0 / Virginia Blue Ridge Ry. #5 / Morris County Central Railroad #4039 is also making progress. The new boiler is almost completed over in Colorado, and the boiler tubes were shipped from Whippany to Colorado in 2019. 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. The most recent report states: "The new firebox has returned to Mammoth Boiler Works in Colorado and will soon be joined to the new barrel. Once that is done, the new tubes can be installed." [Thanks Al Holleuffer] (P.S. How have things been? I haven't heard from you in quite some time.) https://www.dynamicticketsolutions.com/ ... ations.cfm

- Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern 0-6-0T #65 was taken into the shop on New Year's Day 2019, 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. Does anyone have an update on her they can share?

- Mississippi Central (Wilmington & Western) 98 class 4-4-0 #98 is down for her 1472 SDI. Hopefully, it won't be too long before this beautiful "American" is running once again. Does anyone have any more current information on her 1472 SDI?

- San Antonio & Aransas Pass E-40 class 4-4-0 #60 should be further evaluated (and hopefully have her boiler ultrasounded) along with the newly acquired 2-truck Shay Oregon, Pacific & Eastern RR #112. {Personally, I hope I can see #60 operate in the not-so-distant future.} [Thanks RookieFireman]

- The Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway has been working very hard to build a new steam locomotive (2-4-4T #11). As of December 2022, the rear frame is almost fully assembled, the cylinder castings have been made, and many other advancements are being made. Hopefully, they will be able to have this new locomotive fully constructed and operate one day. [Thanks elecuyer] http://www.build11.org

- Saint Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern 2-4-2 #5 has recently gotten new wind on getting her reassembled and restored. At this time, it appears that they are aiming for an operational restoration. Good luck, guys. #5 has a special place in my heart, and I hope to see her running again one day. https://www.number5project.com/

- Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington 0-4-4T #10's new boiler will be constructed when shop space allows for it (where it will likely be alongside #11's boiler). [Thanks elecuyer]

- Coronet Phosphate 0-4-2T #6 is under restoration at McHugh Locomotive in Fairless Hills, PA. Hopefully, her restoration won't take too long. Updates on her restoration can also be viewed in the thread "The Train the Wouldn't Die." [Thanks tomgears]

- Indiana Northern Railway 4 class 0-4-0 #4 is under active restoration to operation by the American Industrial Railroad Society. Best of luck, everybody! [Thanks Boilermaker] https://www.industrialrails.org/donate

- 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]
https://www.triangletrain.com/donate/

I know that AoSR is continuing to work on their locomotives, but I don't have a clear idea on where they stand with their projects at this time (with the possible exception of YW 2-8-2 #19). 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 making this list back in 2019, 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 well over 5× 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/updates (that can be shared) for any of the locomotives already mentioned, please feel free to inform me.
We could always use more good news regarding 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.}

Here's a Jan 2024 update from the WW&F:

- WW&F 10: Work in late 2023 - early 2024 has focused on the smokebox, smokebox door (which is original to the locomotive, but needs a set of adaptors to fit the new, larger smokebox), and running gear. Construction of the new boiler will commence in early 2024. https://forum.wwfry.org/index.php/topic,71.0.html

- WW&F 11: 2023 saw the near completion of the locomotive's frame, with the forward and rear frames joined together and cylinders installed. 2024's work will focus on completing the front (pony) and rear (tender) trucks of the 2-4-4T, as well as the casting, machining, and installation of the drive wheels. http://www.build11.org

N&W 611 had a busy 2023. Starting with a new partnership with the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the 611 was on public exhibition at the museum until May. The 611 then operated at the Strasburg Rail Road pulling excursions and doing the popular “In Cab Experience” program. After operating at Strasburg, the 611 returned to Roanoke for what many thought was an uncertain future.

Good things come to those who wait and a partnership was formed with the Buckingham Branch Railroad/Virginia Scenic Railway for the 611 to return to the mainline pulling fall excursions through the Shenandoah Valley! These excursions would operate from Goshen, Va. (new passenger station area developed by VMT) to Staunton, Va. twice a day The locomotive and crew pulled over 30 public excursions spread out over 5 weekends and hauled more than 20,000 passengers from all over the world. These excursions were extremely successful and the VMT/611 team are continuing to look for opportunities to showcase the 611 under steam for the public in 2024

I understand that SRC #90 is now receiving a 1472 SDI inspection, having reached service day 1,472 on December 31st, 2023.

I believe that this is the first time that #90's flues survived to see 1,472 service days since she has been at Strasburg. Previously, they had always started to fail due to cracking at the rear flue sheet prior to that deadline. Her rear flue sheet is unusually thick (5/8"), therefore hotter than most in operation, and this has always been suspected for her shorter than usual flue life.

Soo Line 2425 is currently stored near the closed Blueberry Mine as of 2021

Here is the Pacific Northwest the Mt Emily Lumber Co. #1 ownership has been transferred from the Oregon Historical Society to the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation in Portland. The locomotive was loaded onto a flatcar in Prineville, OR before Christmas 2023 and is currently waiting on BNSF for movement to Portland. It is expected that #1 will receive a 1472 boiler inspection and return to service in the next year or two.

According to posts on Facebook from the Mt Rainier Scenic Railroad Porter Mikado #5 has had her tubes removed to allow for evaluation of the boiler. If the evaluations go well #5 may be next is line for overhaul.

Canadian Pacific 2816 is not only planned to run in 2024, it is planned to run from Calgary Canada through the western US to a destination in Mexico City. This is more than remarkable.
https://www.railwayage.com/freight/class-i/cpkc-final-spike-steam-tour-set-for-april-2024

New flues and tubes have been installed in Alaska Railroad #557. Hydro is planned for early this year. The brakes have been updated to 26L for PTC compatibility.

Durango and Silverton K-36 #481 will undergo the coal to oil conversion later this year.

Illinois Central 0-6-0 # 333 supposedly moved to Ohio for a restoration. No news beyond initial reports. Would like to know if this is even an actual possibility.

Santee River Hardwood 20-22 ton Heisler #3 continues to undergo an operating rebuild by owner Mike Brown at the Southern Forest Heritage Museum in Long Leaf, LA.

Minor correction. Southern Pacific 982 will be moving from its current site, and is independent of the TRHM, and the correct name of the organization is the Texas Railway Preservation Association.

Western Maryland scenic post in Trains mag today, not sure if posted before


Western Maryland Scenic begins fundraising to return steam locomotives 1309, 734 to operation
By Alan Byer | January 9, 2024

Former C&O 2-6-6-2 needs new pistons and rods; 2-8-0 was already slated for rebuild

https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews ... operation/

Arcade & Attica has said on social media that they are hoping to make the first runs with #18 in Spring of '24. Although obviously, whenever you are working on a steam locomotive, rarely do they get done on time.

Well, it looks like there is a "big" locomotive I missed in my list.

- Western Maryland (Cass Scenic Railroad) 3-truck Shay #6 finished her 1472 SDI in fall 2023 and started to pull some trains to Whittaker. Well done, Cass! It's good to know that "Big 6" is operating again.