The latest B&M #3713 restoration updates have been posted at www.project3713.com. Click over for the mid-year work update and the 2019 "to do list" for the rest of the year. And remember, your support - both financially and through volunteering - is very much needed as the locomotive progresses.

2019 Progress Report

http://www.project3713.com/2019/08/17/3713-summer-2019-work-update/

2019 To Do List

http://www.project3713.com/2019/08/17/bm-3713-2019-to-do-list/

Rob Davis
Project3713 Fundraising

Thanks, I've been waiting for this.

Yes, thank you for this interesting post. One thing occurs to me: it seems like the default has become to not screw around with the firebox during restorations if there is any question of its viability, but rather to have a new one fabricated. I also didn't know that one must be government certified on how to handle particles if you want to do any sandblasting.

There they do as they are restoring the unit in a government owned facility. Have to adhere to the guidelines of the property owner.

There is some special history here that I'll let the 3713 people explain in detail if they care to. A previous generation of supervision attempted to drill staybolt holes in entirely the wrong places in a repaired inner wrapper, which would then have to have three thermic syphons welded in place. After this disaster there was a RFP to have the entire firebox structure correctly fabricated new, once and for all, and when I saw it that was clearly the 'best' thing to do going forward, particularly if the engine were to serve for years as a reliable excursion engine ... which was and I presume still is the plan.

With all due respect to the men who work there it is understandable why anything done there takes far longer than it would anywhere else. In classic federal gummit style there are rules on rules on rules on rules. It's CYA on steroids.

IIRC this locomotive has been under restoration since the early 1990's. I hope some of you are young enough to be around when she finally boils water.

Ross Rowland

From everything I have seen, the current project managers are making all the right moves.

I have faith that Bruce Mowbray will get her done properly, and a lot sooner than Ross believes.

You are correct.

Debbie Conway's positive contribution to the reorganization of this project and to the overall improvement in the management of the shop as an asset to the site has to be acknowledged in any discussion of 3713.

I'll do you one better. 3713 will operate under steam at least five years before any part of AFT 2.0 turns a wheel.

In Bruce I trust. All others pay cash.

I'll put $ 1,000.00 ( even money) on the line Scranton Yard that you're proven wrong on the above statement. If you accept, we both deposit the funds with a mutually agreed 3rd. party who will deliver the $ 2,000.00 to which of us is proven right by subsequent events.

Are you in ??? Please advise, Ross Rowland

I love the "Mad Men" tactics. So '60s. So predictable. I do not need your money but I'd love it if you could prove me wrong.

Maybe the $2,000.00 in funds deposited would be put to a restoration project of the winner's choice?

I've visited Steamtown a number of times in the last 18 months (after rarely having the opportunity to do so previously) or so and say with confidence that Bruce Mowbry has a very good handle on how best to get 3713 back in service and is working in that direction. The paid SNHS staff is minimal and has to support the ongoing operations of the 26, the diesel fleet and passenger cars as well. Earlier this year Bruce told me they had about 6 regular volunteers helping with 3713 on weekends. I got the impression that more capable volunteers would help speed up the work. The past notwithstanding, I would say the project is in capable hands and is moving as fast as the funds and available manpower will allow. Sound familiar, no?

Thanks,


Rob Gardner
ASR VP and 2100 Project Manager

I'm curious about the comment underneath the picture of the found Lima wiring diagram which references "including cab signals". Is the intent to equip the 3713 with an ATC/cab signal system, and if so, why?

I think that's a "modern" way of declining the wager offer, is that the correct read of your response Scranton yard?? Please advise.

Thanks, Ross Rowland

P.S. I'll enjoy proving you wrong and accept your nice remark in that regard. I also wish Bruce every success getting that beautiful Pacific back in service as nothing would please me more than to have her lead the AFT 2.0 train triple headed from the DWG to Scranton.