Preservation
A plan for Pennsylvania K4 No. 1361 as Santa Fe 4-8-4 No. 2926 stretches its legs
TWO MAINLINE STEAM restoration projects have turned new pages, one a new beginning, the other a major milestone. Let’s take a look at each. First up, the Pride of the Pennsy.
A $2.6 million restoration of Altoona (Pa.) Pennsylvania Railroad K4s-class 4-6-2 steam locomotive No. 1361 is aimed at replacing its firebox and making it operable again after a pause of 30-plus years. Built by PRR in Altoona in 1918 (one of 425 of the class), No. 1361 was placed on display on Horseshoe Curve in 1957 and was restored and operated in 1987-1988.
The campaign, announced in June by Railroaders Memorial Museum Chairman (and former Norfolk Southern and Amtrak
CEO) Wick Moorman, is being undertaken in conjunction with the consulting engineering firm, FMW Solutions LLC. FMW developed a scope of work that has been approved by the Federal Railroad Administration.
Previous assessments the K4s would need a new boiler turned out to be incorrect (some repairs will be required), as the boiler courses are basically sound. The major task will be constructing a new Belpaire firebox in order to meet FRA safety specifications. PRR’s standards assumed a factor of safety of 3 but current specs require a factor of 4. Other work includes the frame, appliances, spring and brake rigging, drivers, and running gear.
Fundraising will be handled by Moorman and board member Bennett Levin of Washington Crossing, Pa., a longtime preservationist and museum supporter.
The long-term plan calls for No. 1361 traveling around the state for public appearances, along with a train of period PRR coaches. It also could operate on steam-friendly short lines. For more information, see www.railroadcity.org.
Meanwhile, in the Southwest, Santa Fe 4-8-4 No. 2926 emerged from a 20-year overhaul on July 24 to move under its own power for the first time since 1953. The 1944 Baldwin moved on a short stretch of track at the New Mexico Steam Locomotive & Railroad Historical Society shop in Albuquerque, N.M.
Dr. Mike Hartshorne, president of the Santa Fe project, says ahead for the engine is the completion of the jacketing and insulation. The organization also has to repair grade crossings and track to get the 1 million pound locomotive, among the heaviest 4-8-4s built, to the main line. It must also acquire insurance and negotiate an operating agreement with New Mexico Department of Transportation, over whose tracks the engine would run. Positive Train Control and outfitting a tool car are also ahead.
Where else would the locomotive run? Mainline excursions to Raton Pass would be ideal, but that depends on Amtrak and BNSF Railway approval. The Santa Fe 2900s were regular visitors to the Grand Canyon, and Grand Canyon Railway would be a receptive host as long as BNSF allows the engine passage. For more information, see www.2926.us — Dan Cupper and Jim Wrinn