I arrived at 8AM, to find the cab already removed and sitting on the ground. Myron had to torch one last piece of piping to get it free, but the riggers were anxious to go, and I can't say I blame them, as it has been a scorcher. There are series of the cab being lifted onto the flatbed truck for moving to Washington Junction, then one of the rear cab support plate, which will serve as a pattern for reproduction the original had two welds in it to begin with and an actual tear in 3/16 sheet metal.
Next you see the riggers cabling up the cross-compound pump which weighs in at 1400 pounds. These guys are good, too. Nothing was left to chance. Then it was carried over to the truck and lowered. You see the rear of the unit in one of the close-ups. The pump will be rebuilt, hopefully in Maine, and hopefully as a donation or for the cost of parts alone.
The truck also carried several other huge castings from outside the firebox, and the booster pump. By 11AM, most of the loading was completed, and the load was being re-adjusted.
The last two images show the backhead, looking more like she's in the shops already, rather than being rescued from certain death.
I want to re-emphasize, most of this work has been completed with donated services and all of it by volunteers. The donations we receive are being used to purchase tools, acetylene and oxygen, and to pay for the moving of the boiler and frame, yet to come. We were recently saddled with an unexpected asbestos abatement fee, were it hadn't been removed by a crew in the 1980's. Still, today the locomotive is entirely clean, and done so to meet all safety requirements.

It will take about three weeks to get the movers and cranes in place, with some finishing up at the locomotive prior to that. Expect the completion of 470's next trip to Washington Junction yard in the second week of August.

If you are not a member of New England Steam at this time, may I urge you to become part of the restoration by joining. Donors of $100 or more will receive our new enamel "Restoration Supporter" pin. Please visit http://www.newenglandsteam.org, or postal mail us at NESCO, P.O. Box 302, Winterport, Maine 04496 .

Sunrise over the 1924 Pacific. Riggers have already removed the cab. The cab will be cleaned and receive new steel where yoears of rusting have taken portions away.

The cab is moved to the flatbed truck for relocation.

...and place down for shackling into position.



The locomotive devoid of her cab while riggers are hard at work.

1400 pound Nathan cross-compound pump is professionally rigged for a safe lift.

Easy up!


The rear of the cross-compound pump, seen for the first time in 64 years.

Loaded truck will be re-positioned prior to hitting the road.

Almost a shop photo.

Sunny side view.

Thanks for good wishes and thanks for you fiscal support. Visit us on Facebook as well as our website.


While a number of pedestrians and other visitors took images and videos, I must report, Pokemon was not present this morning.

Im glad to see the old girl being saved and given a all to rare 2nd life. Where does the group plan to run her? Being a 4-6-2 she is capable of fast passenger trains on long tourist lines, but she could also putt around on a short line being a fairly light engine.

great to see progress on your lady. thanks for sharing.

Her rebuild and initial operation will be on the Downeast Scenic Railroad, in Ellsworth, Maine. They have a stretch of about 15 miles in each direction, to Green lake and return, on the old Maine Central, Calais Branch. Eventually, that will extend further and it's our hope to someday run her on main line excursions. That's a way off in the future. What's critical a present is funding the complete rebuild, which is why memberships and donations are important.
Thanks for your good comments. We value all your positive input.

That's a strange way to lift the cab. We picked 1522's cab by putting a beam through both windows, centered it and lifted it level.

It was loaded in that manner to avoid width restrictions and a permit. That and it confuses the foamers trying to read the cab number!

Bob D. New England Steam Volunteer

Both great and valid reasons. Did you consider painting 1218 on the cab before the move?

I think I would have splurged for 3 cans of gloss black a painted 4012 on it.....

If we had painted 611 on the sides, everyone would have been confused. Where's the fun in that?

Thanks for the pictures & update.

I've donated before and will again.

This is a great project!

4014 and really get the rumors going....

Well the fun comes when you sit back with a bit of iced tea and watch the fireworks...

These images just came in, showing the actual removal or the cab from the locomotive. I thought readers would enjoy seeing them.







The cab is now secured at the restoration site. It will be stripped of old paint, new steel applied where required, primed, painted, and new wood inserted when the time to reapply it to the boiler comes.

Your contributions are directly applied to the restoration of Maine Central 470. Please consider joining New England Steam Corp., renewing your past membership, or simply donating to show your regard for operational restoration. Remember when we were told, "It can't be done"?

thanks for sharing Richard

Let me join the chorus of Atta Boys and Thank Yous, Dick, not just for your most worthwhile project, but for keeping us posted of your progress as well. I'm getting serious enjoyment out of this from way-out Colorado.

Take Care, WORK SAFE, & Best of Luck !!!!