Our group at Historical Museum of Fort Missoula, Missoula, Montana has been working on the restoration of Willamette Locomotive (c/n # 7, built 1923) originally Western Lumber Company # 3 at Milltown, MT in 1928 sold to Anaconda Lumber Company, Bonner MT as their # 7. As an early part of the process it was felt that a structure should be constructed to protect the locomotive and work completed.

This past winter a shelter was designed, in the “theme” of what the logging companies would have built. The permitting process was completed and our volunteer base raised the funds to construct the structure. As weather improved three weeks ago our volunteers started construction and yesterday, we finished except for the metal roof sheeting account of supplier delay. We are expecting sheeting to be delivered next week and will be installed upon arrival. The timbers were cut by a local saw mill with smaller boards cut by our volunteers on our saw mill at the Fort. All of the timbers were cut to size and trusses assembled on the ground by volunteers. A local contractor loaned us his Tower Crane and a couple of “high wire” guys help put up the structure which was completed on Friday.

We had a successful fund raiser this past winter, this part of the project has come in well under budget thanks to very generous local suppliers. Remaining funds will be diverted from the building to the locomotive restoration which is ongoing. Additional information can be found on the Fort’s Facebook Page under Groups for Steam Engine.

Larry Ingold
Project Coordinator

Is the restoration effort cosmetic or operational?

Those are some massive roof trusses. Looks like you're doing a great job. You probably have some big snow loads up there.
We are eagerly looking forward to progress reports and pictures of your locomotive getting rebuilt!
Ned

Hi Larry,
Looks fantastic.
I am STILL pursuing some sort of shelter for the '79. Perhaps some day....
Ken

What type of siding will the building have, or is this just a pavilion type structure?

In answer a couple of the questions, working towards operational restoration, not for passenger hauling but call it demonstration like we do with our saw mill, steam tractors and other historical equipment for Forestry Days, Harvest Festival and the like. Of course, as in all cases $$$ will dictate the final outcome.

The building will be pavilion type structure as seen with a metal roof. The Willamette is a very popular exhibit and for photos so it was felt that having it open would get it more exposure to our guests. We do have a closed building containing among other items Missoula Street Railway car # 50 which has been cosmetically restored.

Larry

My son & I were on a road trip in 2009 and spent a night in Missoula. I used this opportunity to take him out to the fort and show him number 7.

I wish that I was closer Larry, I'd be happy giving you folks a hand with this worthy project.

Larry,

i am so glad you and the people in Missoula do this
Thank you!

I see that engine several times when I drive through Missoula.
In my opinion this is the most beautiful Willamette build.
See the builders photo. BEAUTIFUL.

Sad that the people in charge today was not there 15 years ago
to save the companion Shay ACM #5 from Mehmkes Museum
in Fife, MT.
Now it sits in the Arizona sun with that fake lettering.