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 Post subject: Update for New England Steam Corporation - Maine Central 470
PostPosted: Fri Sep 15, 2017 10:17 am 

Joined: Sun Aug 22, 2004 11:26 am
Posts: 4642
Location: Maine
Maine Central 4-6-2 #470

With so many steam restorations pressing into full-bore, I thought it would be informative for readers to review what we've been doing and our immediate plans for the future.

Most of our updates go public via the two separate Facebook sites as well as our website and newsletters. If you are not yet a member, you may not be getting updates, so a quick capsule picture follows here.

The footings of the shop build were cast this past week. We had an "uh-oh" moment, when the previously engaged contractor walked away, literally at the last moment. Fortunately, two local companies stepped into the gap and performed the work in quick order. The containers that form the bottom eight feet of the shop are onsite and ready to be placed, using a donated 55 ton crane. The framing and cover for the arch-tarp shop which will sit upon the containers in ready to be assembled and placed. Funding for this aspect of the project came largely from the Samuel Freeman Foundation, the Deupree Family Foundation, and the Jacobs Family Foundation, as well as hundreds of private donations and memberships.

Replacement classification lamps were fabricated from drawings and the remains of the rotted out originals. Not huge functional pieces, but required and just beautiful.

The cylinder drain cocks were refinished and are ready to be installed; these after retaining gravel and water for 62 years.

We have opened the cylinders this summer and heavily oiled the inside after a good wiping down. They are smooth and gray.

We opened the booster motor and found it to be clean, shiny, and filled with oil. The rest of the Delta truck will require disassembly and mechanical service.

As parts are removed, they are photographed, labeled and put in secure storage.

The original turbogenerator has been completely rebuilt and will be assembled next week, good for another 100 years of service. This work courtesy of A.C. Electric, of Bangor, Maine, and their part supplier associates, from all over America.

The tender frame has been stripped of paint to the bare metal, using EPA approved strippers, under a grant from the Mystic Valley Railroad Society. Next up: Jack the tender and rebuild the two trucks for service. Complete the raising of funds to replace the tender tank and coal bunker, and then build it.
Clean an rebuild the stoker motor.

We have collected a core of technical books and manuals for restoring specific parts of 470, many from donations coming from readers of RYPN. For these we say, "thank you".

Major support in the move of 470 has come from Cianbro Corporation, Keeley Crane, and Casco Bay Trucking. These Maine companies either donated or sharply discounted services to make preservation occur.

A whistle to replace the long stolen one was fabricated by Penobscot Energy Recovery Corporation (PERC), or Orrington, Maine. This has been an invaluable feature at our "Touch A Train" events.

Governor's Restaurants, Modern Woodmen of America Financial, and other local groups have been huge supporters, both in terms of funding and in-kind donations. Both Broadway Limited and Bowser model companies have offered products in support of the 470 restoration.

Certainly not last is Downeast Scenic Railroad, our co-operative partner and host operator. Their efforts alone, have brought rail traffic restoration to the Acadia corridor, and have shown what determined people can accomplish.

Some very active members of this RYPN board take part in our project. You folks know who you are, and I am genuinely gratified by your vision and belief in our approach.

We urge others to get involved through membership and donations to restore Maine Central #470.

Single annual membership begins at $35, Family at $50, and upward. All funds go to the restoration of this iconic Pacific. Membership forms can be found on our website. Memberships are the backbone of this project.

New England Steam Corporation
P.O. Box 302
Winterport, Maine 04496


Facebook-
https://www.facebook.com/NewEnglandSteam/
https://www.facebook.com/MCSL470Restore?ref=hl
Website- http://www.newenglandsteam.org

_________________
"It's only impossible until it's done." -Nelson Mandela


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 Post subject: Re: Update for New England Steam Corporation - Maine Central
PostPosted: Fri Sep 15, 2017 12:46 pm 

Joined: Fri Mar 05, 2010 3:41 am
Posts: 3911
Location: Inwood, W.Va.
Thanks for the update!

And the 470 is a good looker, too. I don't think I'll get to see her in person, unfortunately, but I'm still glad to know she'll really live with you fellows.


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