March 12, 2024 - Oyster Bay, NY

The Oyster Bay Railroad Museum is pleased to announce that we have contracted with Next Generation Rail Solutions of Irvine, KY for the restoration of LIRR #35, the oldest surviving LIRR locomotive, and the crown jewel of our collection.

Followers of this project may know that this outcome did not happen overnight. There was a lengthy competitive procurement process, seemingly endless contract negotiations with multiple municipal partners, and waiting. Lots and LOTS of waiting. In fact, there was so much waiting involved that we were ultimately unable to retain the services of our initially intended contractor.

Fortunately, Next Generation stepped up in a big way, and ultimately won the bid. The company, which is the business side of "That Steam Guy", already has a leading role in high profile restorations such as C&O #2716 and L&N #152.

As a reminder, the end result of this project will be a cosmetically restored locomotive with running gear operational to the point where the locomotive will be able to be towed over trackage, whether on museum grounds or elsewhere. Nothing being done to the locomotive at this time will preclude future operation, and the work being done is intended to leave open the possibility of a future boiler restoration should resources and opportunities eventually permit. Should this not occur, at worst, the locomotive will be intact, attractive and at home on Long Island.

As the months progress, parts will cycle in and out of Next Generation's shops, and in Oyster Bay, an intact and mobile G-5s Ten Wheeler will begin to take shape on Track 3 of our display yard. We cannot wait to share these updates with you!

Ronnie Schnepf & John Petsche
Locomotive #35 Committee, Oyster Bay Railroad Museum