Hello RYPN,

It's been awhile since we've posted an update on the restoration of B&M #3713, so here's the latest.

The Summer 2016 newsletter from Project3713 is now available for download at our website http://www.project3713.com as a PDF. Highlights include mechanical and fundraising updates. Since renewing the Project3713 partnernship last year between the Lackawanna Valley Railway Historical Society and the Steamtown National Historic Site, we have raised about 1/3 of our target of $750K.

Progress is accelerating on the restoration front. If you follow our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Project3713/ you will be able to track updates directly from the restoration crew at the Steamtown shop. There's a video this week of riveting being done around the steam dome, as well as a number of updates on appliances being sent out for restoration. One of the coolest stories about the appliances is the restoration of the feedwater pump at Coffin Turbo Pump... it is being restored by the very same company that built it new.

With momentum picking up, it is a great time to join us as we bring this beautiful Lima-built 4-6-2 back to operation. Donations may be made directly via our website www.project3713.com . If you are interested in getting involved, drop us a note.

All the best,

Rob Davis
Project3713

Rob
What about those of us who do not have a face book account? Also none of the links will work on my iPad.
Thank you
Al

Hi Al,

I'm not sure what's up with the iPad. I just checked all the links on my iPad and they were OK. Try this one http://www.project3713.com

One reason for having the website is that we know not everyone interested in the locomotive is on Facebook. Any major news that appears on Facebook will also make it onto the website and into the newsletter, so no one will miss out. Donors get a printed version of the newsletter via mail, too.

You can also sign up for our email list here: http://project3713.com/wp/?page_id=583

All the best,

Rob

Rob
Sorry about earlier I just did not Weight lone enough for the page to down load.
Al

It looks like Mr. Mowbray and the Park Service Preservation Specialists are doing a nice job organizing the restoration work and are beginning to move it forward after a period of stagnation. Is there any update regarding the bid packet that was posted on 3 August 2015 and modified on 10 August 2015 regarding the needed repairs to the firebox as detailed extensively in "B&M Restoration Thread Part 2"?

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=38239&hilit=3713

According to the document, the Site Visit by interested parties was to be on Monday, 17 August 2015 at 10:00 AM EST, any Offers were due on or before 2:00 P.M. EST, 1 September, 2015, and the Date of Delivery was to be 31 January 2016.

So if I may ask this question, what work remains on the 3713? Running gear, boiler, etc.?

Hi,

Work on the boiler and appliances is active. Running gear, cab and tender to come. New funds raised by Project3713 are being deployed to restore key components of the locomotive. Steamtown will be providing the labor and funds for the remaining boiler work. The latest updates are in the summer newsletter: http://project3713.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/Project3713_Summer2016.pdf

Rob

An update for Railfest weekend sent to our email list...

As August comes to a close and Railfest weekend approaches at the Steamtown National Historic Site on September 3 & 4, 2016, there’s quite a bit of news on the restoration of Boston & Maine #3713.

Fundraising & Raffle

In early August, Project3713 was notified that we were the recipient of a $10,000 matching grant from the John H. Emery Rail Heritage Trust. Our supporters have been very generous this year, and your help will continue to be an essential part of completing the restoration as we match this grant and raise additional funds.

If you are one of the many who have purchased tickets for our benefit raffle (which includes the grand prize O-scale brass model of #3713 donated by Weaver Models) Sunday September 4th is the big day. The winners will be drawn at the Moscow train station.

Still need tickets? They will be on sale at the Moscow depot Saturday and Sunday. That’s a great reason to ride the Railfest excursion from Steamtown to Moscow. Enjoy the trip and get your raffle tickets!

Restoration Progress

In the Scranton shop, work has been focused on the boiler with both the side patch and steam dome getting attention. If you follow us on Facebook you’ve already seen the video of the riveting process on the steam dome and an new video was posted today (August 31, 2016) of the final rivet being driven in the boiler liner. News from the shop tends to be posted to Facebook first as it happens. You can find us at: http://www.Facebook.com/Project3713

Railfest & La Festa Italiana Weekend

Project3713 will have a table at Railfest and we hope you will come by to see us. It is always rewarding to meet our supporters. Of course, the locomotive will be visible in the shop the whole weekend. One of the most interesting things about this restoration is that the work is being done where visitors can observe the progress. #3713 is not tucked away, hidden from view. We welcome you to get an up close look at her during your next visit. Don’t forget the incredible La Festa Italiana is happening in downtown Scranton on the same days at Railfest. It is a wonderful time to visit the Electric City.

We Need Your Support, There’s Still Much To Do

There’s a lot of work ahead. With major appliances out for contracted repairs, the rest of the boiler work, running gear, engine truck, trailing truck/booster, cab and tender are still in line for rehabilitation. With another $500,000 to raise towards our ultimate goal of $750,000, Project3713 will be busy fundraising while our partners, the professionals at Steamtown and their contractors, continue to work on the locomotive.

The easiest way to support Project3713 is with an online donation via PayPal on our website. The website also has information about commemorative plaques and other ways to support the restoration.

If you notice that our website http://www.project3713.com is a bit slow, you are not alone! We are changing hosts and will be back on the fast track soon.

Have a safe and happy Labor Day. We hope to see you in Scranton!

Project3713