FMW Solutions Enlisted as Strategic Partner for Historic Pennsylvania Railroad Locomotive Restoration

ALTOONA PA (June 25th) - The Railroaders Memorial Museum (RMM) announced this week that it has named FMW Solutions LLC as its strategic partner in the restoration of Pennsylvania Railroad K4s-class steam locomotive No. 1361. Working with the board and staff at RMM, and a team of qualified volunteers, FMW Solutions will oversee the day-to-day restoration efforts of the museum’s national icon and assist in strategic planning for the eventual operation of the attraction.

“FMW Solutions brings a remarkable set of skills and talents to this project,” said Joseph DeFrancesco, Executive Director of the RMM. "Their portfolio and professional approach is exactly what we need for this endeavor and their highly credentialed team has a successful track record that speaks for itself.”

“The legacy of the Pennsylvania Railroad, the K4, and the industrious identity of Altoona makes this extremely special to us,” said Davidson Ward, President of FMW Solutions. "Our team is prepared to assist RMM turn a new page in this project. Our hope is to make the locomotive a viable ambassador for Altoona and the Commonwealth for years to come.”

For the past 30 years, the K4 has been disassembled, partially restored, but unfinished. In 2019, FMW Solutions performed a comprehensive inspection of No. 1361, including a full review of all past work performed, and a full engineering study of the integrity and repairability of the locomotive boiler. This six-month process included engineering calculations and reporting, 3D modeling, non-destructive spectrometer, radiograph, and ultrasonic thickness tests, rivet material review, visual inspections, and consultation with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

FMW has determined that much of the boiler’s firebox will need to be replaced with new steel. FMW’s findings and repair procedures have been reviewed and accepted by the FRA. The repairs will allow the original Belpaire boiler design to be preserved while being brought up to contemporary safety standards.

“Paired with our board of directors, staff, skilled volunteers, government agencies, and donors, this partnership will return The Spirit of Altoona to the high iron once again and create educational and economic development opportunities while fulfilling the museum’s goal to preserve America’s rail heritage through the Altoona railroading experience,” DeFrancesco added.

Projections indicate the restoration, which will include repair of the boiler, appliances, frame, spring and brake rigging, drivers and running gear, and test runs will cost in excess of $2 million dollars. Initial fundraising efforts are being led by railroad preservation advocates Bennet Levin and former Norfolk Southern and Amtrak CEO Wick Moorman. To learn more about the project or to support the museum with donations or memberships, visit http://www.railroadcity.org/1361.

Among other rail preservation efforts, FMW is currently assisting with the rebuilding of Nashville, Chattanooga, & St. Louis steam locomotive No. 576; recently completed the restoration of U.S. Sugar No. 148; and is undertaking the relocation and eventual rebuilding of Atlantic Coast Line No. 1504. For more on FMW Solutions, to request a quote, or to explore opportunities for your railroad operation, visit http://www.fmwsolutions.com, email info [at] fwmsolutions.com, or call (423) 425-9753.

FMW Solutions and its subsidiary National Rail Consulting Group offer a suite of professional services for the railroad industry, including mechanical and engineering design, diesel locomotive servicing and repair, rail operations, strategic planning support, marketing, public relations, safety compliance administration, training, and alternative fuel technology research and development. FMW is also an accomplished rail preservation resource, with expertise in the restoration and operation of historic equipment.

It isn’t mentioned, but other sources say that the water scoop was reinstalled on the tender. Is this true? If it is, will it be removed? I doubt any organization outside of Strasburg would let a water scoop run on their tracks where it could hit valuable equipment…

In the big picture, the scoop is likely of minimal concern compared to all that needs to be done.