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U.S. Sugar / F.E.C. #148 restoration progress
http://www.rypn.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=40447		 Page 1 of 5
Author:  Mark Locke [ Fri Mar 03, 2017 1:48 pm ]
Post subject:  U.S. Sugar / F.E.C. #148 restoration progress
A major question concerning the restoration of #148 has been answered. U.S.Sugar reported today that the boiler survey on the locomotive has been completed, and it has been determined that the original boiler is repairable, which will result in considerable savings inbotnb cost and restoration time.

Photos courtesy U.S.Sugar

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File comment: Gridding the boiler in preparation for testing
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Author:  QJdriver [ Fri Mar 03, 2017 3:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: U.S. Sugar / F.E.C. #148 restoration progress
Thank you so very much for posting this information here, where I can just look at it directly, without dealing through a third party website. PLEASE keep more of this wonderful news headed our way when you have a chance. Congratulations and best of luck to the canefield railroaders of Florida, take care and work safe.

VIVA U.S. Sugar 148 !!!!
Author:  Mark Locke [ Fri Mar 03, 2017 11:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: U.S. Sugar / F.E.C. #148 restoration progress
Afew more photos of the work so far. Unloading #148 using U.S. Sugar's bridge crane, her boiler mounted on a flat car, blasted and primed, and her running gear in U.S. Sugar' locomotive shop.

Photos courtesy U. S. Sugar.

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Author:  JayZee [ Sat Mar 04, 2017 1:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: U.S. Sugar / F.E.C. #148 restoration progress
That is fantastic news guys! Does US Sugar have passenger cars lined up for this gem to haul around? It would be interesting to know if you guys plan to possibly expand your steam program with another US Sugar steamer? It's bound to be a great promoter of the company and draw crowds.
Author:  Mark Locke [ Sat Mar 04, 2017 10:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: U.S. Sugar / F.E.C. #148 restoration progress
To the best of my knowledge, U.S. Sugar has no passenger equipment. Their other two surviving steam locomotives, #113 and #153, are preserved at the Gold Coast Railroad Museum in Miami. There is another steam locomotive on the property, ex- Florida East Coast 0-8-0 #253, which they graciously agreed to temporarily store when their owner,Steam Locomotive #253 Association, recently lost their former home in Ft.Pierce.
Author:  JayZee [ Sat Mar 04, 2017 7:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: U.S. Sugar / F.E.C. #148 restoration progress
#253 could be a potential second candidate for their program, but would be rough riding long distance in my opinion. Depending on their grades, speed, and consist the 0-8-0 might not be practical. Are either of these groups likely to lease or sell for U.S. Sugars steam program?
Author:  David Notarius [ Sun Mar 05, 2017 3:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: U.S. Sugar / F.E.C. #148 restoration progress
Hi guys,
Well, there is also two other ex FEC steam locomotives out there, beside the ones mention in Mark Locke's post, they are ex Florida East Cost 4-6-2's, number 80 and 88! Both are in Georgia and are better known as Savannah & Atlanta 750 (FEC 80) and Georgia Northern 107 (FEC 88). Not sure of current conditions but I think the 750 last ran in the late 80's. Not trying to put the horse before the cart with a "what if" but the 750 may be a possible candidate for second locomotive if a lease could be worked out with the NRHS chapter who owns her.

Have fun guys, David Notarius, an ex BR&W flunky out in the sticks of Cambridgeshire UK
Author:  Rob Gardner [ Sun Mar 05, 2017 6:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: U.S. Sugar / F.E.C. #148 restoration progress
David, there are also two more ex FEC Pacifics at the Gold Coast RR Museum near Miami. The 113 and 153, as I recall.

Rob Gardner
Author:  John Risley [ Sun Mar 05, 2017 7:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: U.S. Sugar / F.E.C. #148 restoration progress
I bet those in control over at US Sugar have thought about other possibilities and are aware of surviving FEC locomotives. Just saying. Certainly a lot of possibilities. All with tracks to run on too!

What an incredible happy change in course for the #148. Once again never say never. Would of wrote the chances of this locomotive as very slim as far as finding a happy home and a chance to run again. Not that it was impossible, but this old gal has been bounced around for so long just didn't strike me a very promising candidate. Thank you to those involved in this save and restoration. Regards, John.
Author:  QJdriver [ Mon Mar 06, 2017 4:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: U.S. Sugar / F.E.C. #148 restoration progress
Myself, I can't wait to see that sucker tie onto a cut of loaded sugar cane cars !!!! Who needs Cuba ??? Stars & Stripes forever !!!! This is flat out GLORIOUS.
Author:  Mark Locke [ Thu May 04, 2017 7:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: U.S. Sugar / F.E.C. #148 restoration progress
#148's boiler was loaded for shipment to Chattanooga, presumably TVRM,, where it will be overhauled. Photo from Engine 148's Facebook page.

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Author:  Mark Locke [ Thu May 04, 2017 8:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: U.S. Sugar / F.E.C. #148 restoration progress
Update-- according to Jason Sobczynski, a usually reliable source, the boiler is at a contractor's shop in St. Louis.
Author:  Rob Gardner [ Fri May 05, 2017 8:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: U.S. Sugar / F.E.C. #148 restoration progress
The 148 FB page has been updated to say it is indeed going to St. Louis. I'm guessing to Continental Boiler?

Rob Gardner
Author:  Mark Locke [ Mon May 08, 2017 9:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: U.S. Sugar / F.E.C. #148 restoration progress
Her superheater units, throttle valve, and blower/exhaust nozzle are being refurbished at TVRM. Additinally the Tennessee Valley mechanical department and Gary Bensman will be flanging a new rear tube sheet and firebox door sheet for #148.
Author:  Mark Locke [ Mon May 15, 2017 10:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: U.S. Sugar / F.E.C. #148 restoration progress
The old door sheet removed from #148. You can see one reason for replacement, multiple patches.
Photos from Steam Operations Group Facebook page.

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