It's been brought to my attention that a old friend of mine is in the need of a new boiler, so I come to you all to beg, borrow, and steal.. well not the last one hopefully :P

The Monroe County Fair in Michigan has operated a 15" gauge steam engine for over 20 years.I'm being told that it is in need of boiler work to the tune of $25,000.

Are there any grants that focus specifically on small gauge/miniature trains? I'm sure they could apply to the same NRHS grants as the rest of the "big guys" but I'm guessing the little fair train won't be much competition when being put up against restoring "old #7" or any number of other deserving candidates.

One plus for grants in this situation is that the engine is not a "private engine" but to my understanding operated as a exhibit of the fair and not someones personal toy, which I imagine would otherwise make the grant process harder.

Additionally if anyone has any expertise on working with this small engines, or may know of people, resources, parts, etc that may be helpful to the endeavor it would be much appreciated.

Also if anyone happens to have a operational 15" engine sitting around, there may be the opportunity for a guest appearance of sorts if funds and repairs can't be sorted out before this years fair.

Lastly a leave you with a few pictures of the engine in question..

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/IGW09_xPwwk/maxresdefault.jpg

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HC10avnu5sc/maxresdefault.jpg

Marty Knox at Ridge Locomotive is up near flint. If he can't help with boiler repairs, I would think he could point you in the right direction.

You might try Uhrich Locomotive Works, in Strasburg, Colorado. They specialize in 15" gauge steam railroads. If you can't find them on Google, etc, shoot me a PM.

I know they are a distance, but you can try the people over at Wasatch RR Contractors, Cheyenne, Wyoming. They rebuild Cagneys and full size locomotives.

Rich C.

[quote="Clay320"]

The Monroe County Fair in Michigan has operated a 15" gauge steam engine for over 20 years.I'm being told that it is in need of boiler work to the tune of $25,000.

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/IGW09_xPwwk/maxresdefault.jpg

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HC10avnu5sc/maxresdefault.jpg[/quote]

The engine pictured is not 15" gauge, but 24" gauge. The air tanks under the running boards give the size away, as the 15" gauge Crown locomotives did not have air brakes.

Jonas Stutzman may consider it, but he is normally backlogged severely.

If that is 24" gauge, then I believe there is a twin sister for sale, in Michigan, listed on discoverlivesteam. At least you have options.

Merrick Light Railway Equipment Works in Marshall, WI. Darrell Klompmaker does some amazing work!