Santa Maria Valley 205 has been returned to service. The locomotive was moved from its restoration site in Independence, OR to Lebanon, OR on October 28, 2021. 205 made her first movements under steam on the Albany and Eastern Railroad (AERC) on November 1, 2021. The 205 will be used on the AERC's "Santiam Excursion Trains" with the first public outings on December 4th and 5th.

Here is a photo of 205 sitting next to the restored ex-SP Depot in Lebanon, OR on November 1.

Wonderful news and a hearty congrats to all who made this project what it is today. I earlier mistakenly confused this loco for the Santa Maria Valley #21. Not to take anything away from the #205 up and running. Still a very wonderful thing.

Greetings:

Valley Railroad Co. (dba Essex Steam Train & Riverboat) 2-8-0 No. 97 was put back on its wheels November 6, 2021. Work included: new forged steel driving axles, new tires, crank pin holes quartered and new crank pins installed, new driving boxes and crown brasses; all done by the Strasburg Rail Road shop. Also new lead truck wheels and axle done by McKees Rocks Forgings, Inc.

The frame was trammed using the "fish tail" method, shoes and wedges were built up with bronze and machined at the VRR shop.

The spring rigging was rebuilt in the VRR shop as was boring out the old rod brasses to fit the new crank pins.

Final assembly and testing is expected to be done before November 20th when the North Pole Express makes its first trips of the season.

The North Pole Express runs in three steam powered sections, each train making two or three trips per night.

All trains are sold out.

Be well & stay safe,
J.David

.

.

Here's the newest update regarding all the current steam locomotive restorations.

[Also, I decided to include links to any of the organizations/railroads/tourist lines that could use donations to either help maintain their steam locomotive(s) or aid in the restoration of their steam locomotive(s). This is by no means an attempt to pressure anyone to donate. I'm just attempting to make it a little easier for anyone who would like to donate to any of these locomotives. If anyone knows a donation link for any of the locomotives that don't have one listed, please feel free to provide it.]


Highlights from 2019

- This is the biggest (literally and figuratively) news that has happened in steam preservation. Union Pacific 4884-1 class 4-8-8-4 Big Boy #4014 returned to operation in time for the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad on May 10th, 2019 (also marking the first time a Big Boy has moved under his own power in ~60 years), and he then toured the Upper Midwest and the Southwest. “THE KING OF STEAM” HAS RETURNED! [Update: #4014 toured the Lower and Central Midwest in 2021. It was awesome to see "The King" in action!]

- While not an operational restoration, the Age of Steam Roundhouse achieved what many considered almost impossible and acquired Bessemer & Lake Erie H-1g class 2-10-4 #643. The locomotive is being moved to the roundhouse, and the locomotive will be cosmetically restored.

- Norfolk & Western M class 4-8-0 #475 started, and finished, her 1472 SDI. She returned to service in fall 2019, and N&W 4-8-4 #611 joined in the festivities of #475 coming out of her 1472 SDI. Nicely done, Strasburg! [Thanks Kelly Anderson]

- White Pass & Yukon 70 class 2-8-2 #73 was successfully restored back to operation and made multiple successful runs. Congratulations, WP&Y! I'm glad she's up and running again.

- Middle Fork 3-truck Climax #9 had her restoration completed and was operational in 2019. She has joined Cass' numerous Shays and Heisler. Way to go, Cass & D&GVR!

- Duluth & Northeastern (Duluth Missabe & Northern) C-3 class 2-8-0 #28 returned to service again after having some extensive running gear work (and a little 'facelift'), and she even got to greet "The King of the Rails" when he visited on his tour through the Upper Midwest. [Thanks The Fireman]

- Georgetown Loop B-4G class 2-8-0 #40 was returned to service in Silver Plume. [Thanks Tails]

- Sierra Railway 28 class 2-8-0 #28 was returned to service at Railtown 1897. Congratulations, guys! Job well done. [Thanks o484]

- Denver & Rio Grande T-12 4-6-0 #168 was fully restored to operational condition at the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad shops in Antonito, and she had test runs to show she's up and running. Great job, C&TS! [Thanks o anderson]

- Conway Scenic O-18a class 0-6-0 #7470 was returned to service, and the Conway Scenic Railroad is considering the idea of also restoring Maine Central 2-8-0 #501 in the not-so-distant future. Here's hoping that does come to fruition. [Thanks steamchaser]

- Jones and Laughlin Steel (narrow-gauge) 0-4-0T #58 was successfully rebuilt and has operated multiple times. Well done, guys! You should be very proud. [Thanks Rick Rowlands]


Highlights from 2020

- Probably some of the biggest news in 2020, the East Broad Top Railroad was purchased and will be brought back into service. In addition, EBT 14 class 2-8-2 #14 & 16 class 2-8-2 #16 are being worked on and will be returned to operation. Many of us never thought EBT would get a third chance, and I know we’re all so happy to be wrong about that. Congratulations all around! I can’t wait to see the place when everything is up and running.

- In a surprise development, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad showed us Chesapeake & Ohio H-6 class 2-6-6-2 #1309 fully steamed up, and she moved under her own power for the first time in over 60 years. Congratulations, WMSR! You succeeded and got #1309 running again. You should be very proud of yourselves. Hopefully, the test runs will go well, and “Maryland Thunder” will be pulling passengers very soon.

- Weyerhaeuser Timber Co. (Potlatch Lumber Company) 24 class 2-6-6-2T No. 108 has been restored at the Black Hills Central Railroad. I can't wait to see her in action once tourist operations can start.

- Denver & Rio Grande Western (Durango & Silverton) K-37 class 2-8-2 #493 was returned to service, and the D&S crews made several successful runs. [Thanks o484]

- Florida East Coast 141 class 4-6-2 #148 was successfully restored to operation, and she made multiple successful runs. It is amazing that U.S. Sugar has been able to do what most people had written off. Congratulations, U.S. Sugar! I can’t wait to see #148 hopefully pulling trains again soon.

- Little River Railroad 110 class 4-6-2 #110 had her 1472-day rebuild finished, and she was able to pull the Christmas trains in December 2020. Well done, everyone! You did a great job getting her finished up and running again.

- Rio Grande Southern (Florence & Cripple Creek) T-19 class 4-6-0 #20 was successfully rebuilt, reassembled, and she operated in 2020. Excellent job to all who played a role in her return to operation. You did a magnificent job. [Thanks o anderson]

- Northern Pacific L-5 class 0-6-0 #924 was successfully fired up at the Northwest Railway Museum, and she even managed to pull a few trains in 2020. Here's hoping we see more of her in 2021. [Thanks o anderson]


Currently in 2021

- Iowa Interstate (Chinese) QJ class 2-10-2 #6988 just ran out of flue time, and, hopefully, her 1472 SDI will be starting in the near future. Here's hoping it's not too long before she's running the rails again.

- Southern Pacific F-1 class 2-10-2 #982 is being moved to the Texas Railroading Heritage Museum, and the Texas Railway Preservation Society will be working to restore her to operation. Best of luck to all involved. It'll be something to see a US-built 2-10-2 operating again someday.

- On July 24th, Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe 2900 class 4-8-4 #2926 moved under her own power for the first time since her retirement. Congratulations, NMSLRHS! She will be quite a sight when she's finished up and running at speed. http://www.nmslrhs.org/Help/howtohelp.php

- Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe 4-8-4 3751 class #3751 is finishing up her rebuild, and she should be operable very soon. https://www.sbrhs.org/donate/

- Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis J3-57 class 4-8-4 #576 is currently being restored to operation, and the NSPS has been making good, steady progress with #576’s restoration. I'm so glad that things are going so right for her, and what a beauty she will be when she's finished. https://www.nashvillesteam.org/donate/

- Reading T-1 class 4-8-4 #2100 is steadily getting closer and closer to finishing up her restoration, and what a sight she will be. It will be a truly wonderful day to see her in her former glory again. https://www.fireup2100.org/donate/

- Reading T-1 class 4-8-4 #2102 has had her restoration proceeding very nicely (and mostly under the radar). She was fired up in mid-January, and here's hoping it won't be too long before she's making test runs.

- St. Louis Southwestern (Cotton Belt) L1 class 4-8-4 #819 is currently being cosmetically restored as an operational restoration is proving difficult at this time (but I don't think it's out of the question). I do hope she is able to get up and running again one day in the future.

- Spokane, Portland & Seattle E-1 class 4-8-4 #700 is proceeding very nicely in her rebuild. Last I was able to check, the superheater piping is being reinstalled. Hopefully, #700 will be returning to service very soon. [Thanks Les Beckman]

- Pennsylvania T-1b class 4-4-4-4 #5550 is still steadily being constructed and moving closer and closer to completion. She is currently well over 30% complete. [Thanks NS6770fan] https://prrt1steamlocomotivetrust.org/station/

- Canadian National U-1-f class 4-8-2 #6060 appears to have started receiving some work on her latest restoration. "The Rocky Mountain Rail Society that owns the locomotive up in Alberta, Canada has decided to commence work on the 4-8-2 even though not all of the funds for her restoration are currently available." [Thanks Les Beckman] https://6060.org/donations-page

- Chesapeake & Ohio K-4 class 2-8-4 #2716 is proceeding along with her (very thorough)restoration very nicely, and they hope to have her operable in the not-to-distant future. [Thank you, soups] https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_b ... P39ZNB3UMY

- Boone & Scenic Valley (Chinese) JS class 2-8-2 #8419 is undergoing her 1472 SDI. The railroad is still trying to raise funds to complete #8419's rebuild and have her in service again as soon as possible. https://bsvrr.com/wp/get-8419-steaming-in-2019/

- Crossett Western Company 10 class 2-8-2T #10 is currently undergoing her 1472-day inspection at the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad. Hopefully, it won't be too much longer before she is back at work pulling passengers on the line.

- Denver & Rio Grande Western (Cumbres & Toltec) K-36 class 2-8-2 #489 is progressing very nicely with her 1472 SDI. She is also being converted to burn oil. (I believe she'll be the first on the C&TS to burn oil. Please correct me if I'm wrong.) Great job so far, guys, and here's hoping she'll be running again soon.

- Denver & Rio Grande Western (Durango & Silverton) K-28 class 2-8-2 #473 is now the 2nd locomotive at the D&S to undergo a conversion to burn oil, and K-36 class 2-8-2 #480 is also being converted to burn oil. Best of luck to Al Harper that the conversions go smoothly.

- Cowlitz, Chehalis & Cascade (Puget Sound & Cascade) 200 class 2-8-2 #15 has been down since last year when it was discovered that multiple repairs needed to be done. Early in 2020, the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum received $154,000 from the state of Washington's supplemental capital budget, and, early this year, #15 underwent a thorough inspection from Stathi Pappas. There is still quite a bit to do, but here's hoping it won't be too long before she is running again. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-x ... source=url

- Grand Trunk Western S-3-a class 2-8-2 #4070 continues to move along with her restoration. While she is still quite a ways from being finished, here's hoping it won't be too long before she's running down the rails again. https://www.midwestrailway.org/article/restoration-4070

- New York, Susquehanna & Western (Chinese) SY class 2-8-2 #142 has been making very good progress on her 1472. Hopefully, it won't be too much longer before she's pulling trains again. http://tnyswthsi.shuttlepod.org/donate.htm

- Polson Logging 90 class 2-8-2 #90 is being saved and restored by the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad. Hopefully, she will be up and running one day. https://www.savethepolson90.org/

- Santa Maria Valley 21 class 2-8-2 #21 appears (based off of their website) to be progressing along nicely in her restoration in Astoria, Oregon. [Thanks Les Beckman] https://www.astoriarailroad.org/index.html

- Southern Pacific Mk-5 class 2-8-2 #745 is undergoing her 1472 SDI. Any donations to the Louisiana Steam Train Association to aid in #745's return to service again would be greatly appreciated. http://www.lasta.org/sp-745/

- Southern Pacific Mk-5 class 2-8-2 #786 continues to make slow, but steady, progress in her restoration to service. The Strasburg shops have also done some past work for the group. [Thanks Les Beckman] https://www.austinsteamtrain.org/donate-786-fund/

- Yreka Western (Caddo & Choctaw) R L Rowan class 2-8-2 #19 is being restored to operation at the Age of Steam Roundhouse. Here's hoping it won't be long before she's running under her own power again in the near future. [Thanks WVNorthern]

- Alaska Railroad S160 class 2-8-0 #557 is moving even closer towards operation. Best of luck, guys, and keep going strong. http://557.alaskarails.org/support/index.html

- Arcade & Attica 2-8-0 #18 is down for repairs, and any additional contributions to her repairs would always be appreciated. https://235ffd4e-b927-42a2-a3c0-685f180 ... d979ac.pdf & https://fh-sites.imgix.net/sites/4697/2 ... nt-2-1.jpg

- Denver & Rio Grande Western C-16 class 2-8-0 #223 has been in restoration for 20 years now. Her tender is basically complete (minus some miscellaneous components) and painted. At this point, the emphasis of the work will be on the locomotive (with the drivers & axles being the main goal). Unfortunately, in 2019, the restoration crew was locked out from where the locomotive is housed, and restoration work was brought to a stop. In early November, #223 was inspected by Stathi Pappas, and he found the work done by the R&LHS Golden Spike Chapter to be sound. His findings will be included in the restoration report, and here’s hoping that the State of Utah will allow the restoration to resume. https://gsrlhs.home.blog/2021/11/05/223 ... tion-work/ [Thanks burbri45 & xboxtravis7992]

- Huntingdon & Broad Top Mountain 37 class 2-8-0 #38 "is progressing on a low priority basis with passenger cars consuming more of the capital dollars at the moment. Firebox repairs should be completed in 2021 at which point we will turn our attention to the running gear." [Thanks Alan Maples]

- Great Western 75 class 2-8-0 #75 has been down for quite some time, but, like UP #618, she is slowly, but surely, undergoing a very through rebuild. Hopefully, it won't be too long in the future before we see her under her own power again. [Thanks xboxtravis7992]

- Lake Superior & Ishpeming SC-4 class 2-8-0 #18 has been acquired by the Colebrookdale Railroad and will be restored to operation alongside Grand Trunk Western 4-6-2 #5030. Best of luck, everyone. https://www.colebrookdalerailroad.com/steam/donate/

- Nevada Northern 81 class 2-8-0 #81 has been fully restored and is now operating. Congratulations, NNRy! She looks and sounds fantastic. [Thanks Brian Norden]

- Soo Line F-21-S class 2-8-0 #2425 was purchased by Mineral Range Railroad in Michigan for restoration. Has anyone heard anything about her since 2019?

- Southern H-4 class 2-8-0 #401 was taken down for her 1472 SDI at the start of 2020. Any contributions to her rebuild would be greatly appreciated. http://www.mrym.org/donation.html

- Union Pacific 420-superheated class 2-8-0 #428 is now getting some more focused attention on her restoration (since J. Neils Lumber Company 3-truck Shay #5 is now up and running and Frisco 1613 class 2-10-0 #1630 is still operating well). I think this ol' girl has been very patient, and, now, she's going to be getting a lot of TLC. https://www.irm.org/up428/

- Union Pacific (Heber Valley Railroad) C-2 class 2-8-0 #618 is still moving along steadily with her restoration (as best as we know) as resources are available, and the plan, depending on how things go, is that she could be operational in the near future. [Thanks burbri45 & xboxtravis7992] https://www.hebervalleyrr.org/the-no-61 ... tion-blog/

- Valley Railroad 2-8-0 #97 has had extensive work done (on what seems like just about everything except her boiler), and the plan is to have her reassembled and tested before the North Pole Express trains start. Well done, Valley Railroad! I do love hearing #97 run. [Thank you J. David]

- Washington & Lincolnton 203 class 2-8-0 #203 has had her boiler ultrasounded and should be receiving new tubes this year. Hopefully, she'll be running alongside Southern 458 class 2-8-0 #154 again soon. [Thanks RookieFireman]

- White Pass & Yukon 61 class 2-8-0 #61 is an outside-frame locomotive that once was in the Skagway River as rip-rap. Stathi Pappas, the current owner, and his Stockton Locomotive Works are slowly working on this project as time is available. A lot of work has been done on this locomotive, and I can't wait to see how good she will look when she's finished and operating again. It’s great to see another locomotive getting yet another chance at life. [Thanks Brian Norden]

- White Pass & Yukon 69 class 2-8-0 #69 might also be running in the near future (for the first time since 2013). [Thanks JohnHillier]

- Canadian Pacific H-1-b class 4-6-4 #2816 is undergoing an apparent 1472 SDI with reports indicating that her tubes are being pulled. It appears that “The Empress” might be getting ready for a return to operation again.

- Atlantic Coast Line P-5-A class 4-6-2 #1504 was acquired by U.S. Sugar, and she will be restored to operate alongside #148. Personally, I'm very happy for U.S. Sugar for acquiring #1504 and planning to restore her to operation, but I, personally, hope she is able to keep her ACL livery.

- Boston & Maine P-4a class 4-6-2 #3713 is still being restored at Steamtown (as best we know), and, hopefully, we will see her run under her own power again. I know she will look really nice, but, personally, I hope they install the "earmuffs" (small smoke deflectors) on her again at some point. http://www.project3713.com/support-3713/

- Canadian National J-4-a class 4-6-2 #5080 has been “sold” to the Aspen Crossing Railway Corporation “…where it will be resurrected within two years and get her back on track”. It appears that as of March 18th, 2019, the project is getting underway in regards to moving the locomotive and tender. [Thanks Mgoldman]

- Grand Trunk Western J-3a class 4-6-2 #5030 was purchased by the Colebrookdale Railroad and will eventually be restored to operation. Hopefully, we will hear more on this as things develop, and here's hoping it won't be too long before she's running under her own power again. https://www.colebrookdalerailroad.com/steam/donate/

- Louisville & Nashville K-2A class 4-6-2 #152 has been under restoration for quite some time. Hopefully, she can be finished up and pull passengers again someday soon. https://www.kyrail.org/restore-the-ln-152/

- Maine Central C-3 class 4-6-2 #470 is continuing to move along very nicely with her restoration. I can't even imagine how beautiful she will be once she is up and running. https://www.newenglandsteam.org/getinvolved

- Oregon Railroad & Navigation P-2 class 4-6-2 #197 is slowly, but steadily, undergoing a lengthy operational restoration by a group named the "Friends of the OR&N 197". [Thanks Mgoldman]

- Pennsylvania K4s class 4-6-2 #1361 has generally been viewed with quite a bit of pessimism regarding her ever operating under her own power again. That being said, this year, Wick Moorman outlined a new strategic plan to bring #1361 back into service. It looks like #1361 is getting another chance at running again (and a pretty good one from how this looks). https://railroadcity.square.site/produc ... gory_id=14 [Thank you, Ross Rowland]

- Southern Pacific P-10 class 4-6-2 #2479 has been under restoration for quite some time. Hopefully, she can be finished and operated again one day. https://ctrc.org/about-ctrc/donate

- Canadian National H-6-g class 4-6-0 #1392 had a tube replaced this winter and more recently passed her hydro at the Alberta Railway Museum. Hopefully, it won't be long before she's moving under her own power again. [Thanks SD70dude]

- Chicago & North Western R-1 class 4-6-0 #175 has already begun to receive some serious work from SRI. She will be a very nice addition for them when all is said and done. [Thanks Les Beckman] https://michigansteamtrain.charityproud.org/Donate

- Chicago & North Western R-1 class 4-6-0 #1385 has had steady work done on her restoration throughout the year. Hopefully, it won't be too much longer before she's fired up once again. [Thanks John Risley] https://www.midcontinent.org/category/cnw-1385/

- Long Island G5s class 4-6-0 #39 is still trying to raise funds for her restoration by the Strasburg Railroad. Hopefully, she can have her funds raised and be restored someday soon. https://rmli.org/steam-up-engine-39/

- Nevada Northern R E Noble class 4-6-0 #40 went down for her 1472 SDI. Hopefully, it won't be very long before "The Ghost Train" is running once again. https://nnry.doubleknot.com/registratio ... ey=2111007

- Northern Pacific S-4 class 4-6-0 #1364 has also been receiving some work up at Toppenish, Washington. As of January 10th, "Today is a landmark day for the 1364. The Steam Crew guys completely assembled all the superheater tubes and installed them into the manifold.. We are now much closer to the final Federal Railway Administration final inspection." Best of luck, guys. Keep going strong. [Thanks Les Beckman] https://nprymuseum.org/help-out/

- Western Coal & Coke 4-6-0 #1 has just recently had its restoration to operation restarted after 12 years. Here's hoping that she will be running again one day. https://www.midcontinent.org/category/w ... nd-coke-1/

- Cliffside 2-6-2 #110 appears to be undergoing an operation restoration that has managed to slip under the radar. Hopefully, they can get a little more attention to the locomotive and get her running again one day. https://www.triangletrain.com/donate/

- Cummer & Sons Cypress 2-6-2 #104 is currently attempting to raise donations to begin an operation restoration for the locomotive at the Florida Railroad Museum. https://www.facebook.com/FIREUP104/

- Apparently, a 2-ft. gauge Davenport 2-6-2T trench locomotive was restored to operation early this year. I had no idea that this was even a thing.

- Santa Maria Valley (San Joaquin & Eastern) 205 class 2-6-2 #205 has finished a very long and thorough rebuild, and she has now been purchased by the Albany & Eastern Railroad to pull their Santiam Excursion Trains. The plan is for her to be able to pull passengers before the end of the year. Congratulations, guys! You did a Grade A job, and she looks gorgeous.

- Canadian National E-10-a class 2-6-0 #91 is continuing to be restored by the Middletown & Hummelstown as time and finances permit. According to the most recent report, "The boiler was successfully pressure tested, but, unfortunately, the tubes need to be removed to satisfy the 1472 inspection. The engine was only run for 116 days of the last inspection, so everything should be fine." [Thanks Blade3562]

- Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad 2-6-0 #5 is continuing her restoration in Nevada City, CA. The 1960 "Quickfire" Dixon boiler installed by Universal Studios will be replaced with a replica boiler (and closer to the original) that was built for a sister Baldwin 2-6-0 locomotive, "Glenbrook." As reported on February 24th, "...the boiler work is finally finished with the application of the new dry pipe at Sierra Metal Fabricators after the California Boiler Works came in and did the certified welding on the boiler required by the Cal-Osha boiler division inspectors." [Thanks o anderson] https://ncngrrmuseum.org/engine-5-restoration/

- Southern Pacific M-6 class 2-6-0 #1744 was purchased by the Pacific Locomotive Association, and they plan to restore her to operation. As of late September, "Our boiler contractor, Stockton Locomotive Works, has made some AWESOME progress on the firebox of the boiler for our Southern Pacific #1744. Most of the new sheets are welded in and most of the staybolt & rivet holes are drilled." #1744 hasn't run in quite a while, and I hope the PLA are able raise all the funding needed to return her back to steam. [Thanks David Dewey] https://www.ncry.org/donate/

- The Virginia & Truckee 2-6-0 “Lyon” is a full size standard gauge wood burning replica steam locomotive being built by the Mason City & Clear Lake Electric Railroad Historical Society. The locomotive was donated (earlier this year) to the Nevada State RR Museum at Carson City, NV for completion. I can only imagine how wonderful she will look when she is finished. [Thanks Mgoldman & Alexander D. Mitchell IV]

- Holmes Eureka Lumber No. 4, a two-truck Climax, is under restoration at the Roots of Motive Power, a railroad and logging museum in Northern California. They are hoping to have her operational in two years. Here's wishing them the best of luck.

- Wild Goose Railroad 2-truck Climax #3 "has been successfully retrieved from Alaska by Corry RAILS and arrived in Corry, PA, the home of all Climax locomotives, on October 16, 2020". Once warmer weather arrives, the plan is to begin sorting through all of the parts, evaluating the condition of everything, and then starting the restoration of "the only known original and nearly complete Climax Class "A", back to full steam operation". Good luck, guys. [Thanks Carl W] https://corryrails.com/

- Canadian National O-9-a class 0-6-0 #7312 is still undergoing her 1472 SDI at Strasburg, but it appears that there has been quite a bit of new development in this as of recently. Hopefully, she will run again one day soon.

- U.S. Army/Navy S100 class 0-6-0T #5002 began her restoration at the shop of Brett Goertemoeller, owner of BMG Railroad Contractors, LLC. They made fast progress early (including performing the ultrasound), and it looks like it might not take too long before she’s running again if things continue at this pace. [Thanks airforcerail] https://www.armysteam.com/

- U.S. Army S155 class 0-6-0 #4023 / Virginia Blue Ridge #9 / New Hope and Ivyland #9 / SMS #9 is still undergoing an extensive operational restoration at the SMS shops in Bridgeport, NJ. That being said, she passed her hydro early in 2020, her ash pan is just about finished, and the firebox doors are mounted. On August 8th, #9 was fired up for the first time since 1981. Congratulations, guys! Hopefully, it won't be much longer before we see her under power and working again. [Thanks Mgoldman]

- U.S. Army S155 class 0-6-0 / Virginia Blue Ridge Ry. / Morris County Central Railroad #4039 (VBR #5) is also making progress. The new boiler is almost completed over in Colorado, and the boiler tubes were shipped from Whippany to Colorado in 2019. The original plans were to install them once the boiler was shipped to Whippany and mounted on the frame, but that changed in 2018. A new cab has been constructed, and the tender has been completely rebuilt, along with all the appliances. Once the new (welded) boiler is mounted, the final assembly can take place. The most recent report states: "The new firebox has returned to Mammoth Boiler Works in Colorado and will soon be joined to the new barrel. Once that is done, the new tubes can be installed." [Thanks Al Holleuffer] (P.S. How have things been? I haven't heard from you in a few years.) https://www.dynamicticketsolutions.com/ ... ations.cfm

- Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern 0-6-0T #65 was taken into the shop on New Year's Day 2019, and it appears that she is going to be restored back to operation. Congratulations, WK&S! I'm so glad you're bringing her back to steam, and I hope her restoration goes by as smoothly as possible. Does anyone have an update on her?

- Western Pacific S-34 class 0-6-0 #165 has its tender completed, and the boiler repairs are getting close to being completed at the Portola Railway Museum. Within the past few days, the crew had a successful test fire of #165. Hopefully, it won’t be too long before she’s running again. [Thanks o anderson] https://www.wplives.org/steam.html

- Mississippi Central (Wilmington & Western) 98 class 4-4-0 #98 is down for her 1472 SDI. Hopefully, it won't be too long before this beautiful "American" is running once again. Does anyone have any more current information on her 1472 SDI?

- San Antonio & Aransas Pass E-40 class 4-4-0 #60 should be further evaluated (and hopefully have her boiler ultrasounded) along with the newly acquired 2-truck Shay Oregon, Pacific & Eastern RR #112. {Personally, I hope I can see #60 operate in the not-so-distant future.} [Thanks RookieFireman]

- The Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway appears to be preparing to build a new steam locomotive (2-4-4T #11). Hopefully, they will be able to have this new locomotive constructed and operate one day. https://fundrazr.com/build11.2021?ref=a ... TCCtuP71ty

- Saint Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern 2-4-2 #5 has recently gotten new wind on getting her reassembled and cosmetically restoring her (with an operational restoration being possible at a later point). https://www.number5project.com/?fbclid= ... CsVa2UsEqQ

- Bock Lumber Company 1 class 0-4-4T #1 has finished up a multi-year restoration, and the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum has now entered into a long-term agreement to operate #1. She will be the only operating standard-gauge Forney in North America. Well done, everyone. She looks beautiful, and I hope she makes a good name for herself.

- Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington 0-4-4T #10's new boiler should be completed and installed in the near future. [Thanks elecuyer]

- Coronet Phosphate 0-4-2T #6 is under restoration at McHugh Locomotive in Fairless Hills, PA. Hopefully, her restoration won't take too long. Updates on her restoration can also be viewed in the thread "The Train the Wouldn't Die." [Thanks tomgears]

- New Hope Valley 0-4-0T #17 is very close to having her restoration finished and should return to service in the near future after being out of service for ~2 years while undergoing its mandated FRA work. [Thanks Evan] https://www.triangletrain.com/donate/

I know that AoSR is continuing to work on their locomotives, but I don't have a clear idea on where they stand with their projects at this time (with the possible exception of YW 2-8-2 #19). If anyone has more detailed information on any of these locomotives that they are safe to share, please feel more than welcome to do so.

When I first started making this list back in 2019, it contained only 14 steam locomotives under restoration to operation. Now, the list of locomotives returned to service/being restored/being rebuilt since the list started sits at well over 5× the original starting number. That was truly amazing, and it really brings a smile to my face to see so much steam moving towards operation again.

If there are any other steam locomotives that started (or are still undergoing) an operational restoration, please feel free to list which locomotive it is (and roughly where things stand, if you know). Likewise, if you know any additional details/updates (that can be shared) for any of the locomotives already mentioned, please feel free to inform me. We could always use more good news in regards to steam.

{Lastly, while it isn't currently being restored, U.S. Army / TVRM #610 was pushed into the shops around September 2018 for evaluation on the feasibility of possibly restoring her again. With no official word from TVRM (that I'm aware of at this time), I guess we'll see what happens.}

it's going to be quite some time before 15 steams again. So far, all that's been done is firebox work. And while the work is very good (best welds I've ever seen outside of NASA stuff), I don't think the mud ring has been done yet. I think the flues are there, but not touched yet.
The running gear hasn't even been looked at yet, as I understand it. 15 still needs a lot of work and when passengers ask me when 15 will run again, I tell them maybe for Polar Express trains for 2022 (but not to count on it even then).

0-6-0 WP165 at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola, CA was steam tested on 11/12/21 and 11/13/21. Should be operating in the Spring of 2022

From the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad's Facebook page (posted at 4:18 PM):

We present to our community in Allegany County, the City of Cumberland, MD, Frostburg, MD, and our supporters worldwide...Western Maryland Scenic Railroad #1309!

On the morning of Friday, November 19, 2021, #1309 achieved compliance and was placed in service at the Western Maryland Scenic.

To all of those that supported us throughout, and maintained patience during her restoration to service...THANK YOU!

Over the weekend, #1309 will continue to be tested and put through her paces as she prepares for the holidays, private winter events, and a bright future here at WMSR.

The entire crew, staff, and most importantly our volunteers...extend their sincere appreciation to all for believing in us. WE DID IT!

Photo Credit: Tim Wilson

https://www.facebook.com/WMSRailroad/

Congratulations, she looks downright gnarly !!!

Viva WMSR #1309 !!!

.

Greetings:

Valley Railroad (dba: Essex Steam Train & Riverboat) No.97 was out on the line being tested November 14 and did fine (thanks to the Strasburg Rail Road for the good work completed on time).

All three trains are needed for the operation which began on November 20 when our public North Pole Express season started (test trains earlier for charities).

NPE 1 with No. 40 and seven cars (hot water heat); NPE 2 with No. 3025 and eight cars (steam heat except for the kitchen car which has an electric heater); NPE 3 with No. 97 and six cars (four cars electric heat plus power car plus one car with hot water heat).

Be well & stay safe,
J.David

That's excellent to hear, J.David. The Valley Railroad never disappoints.

Also, congratulations on the Valley Railroad & #40 playing a role in the Hallmark Christmas movie "Next Stop, Christmas". #40 looked spectacular, and I thought the movie was a good one. (I especially appreciated that Christopher Lloyd was able to be a conductor, and I thought it was a nice touch to have him in a movie about time travel.)

While not possible to be finished in 2021 here is an interesting update on C&NW 1385:
https://madison.com/wsj/news/local/watc ... -top-story
Enjoy!..........mld

Thanks for providing that link. Do I correctly understand that museum member Steve Roudebush bought the 1385 itself? I recall that this museum is something of a locomotive club with privately held pieces in agreed/shared use by the museum group.

Here is another account about the 1385 on the Mid-Continent blog which is available to all:
https://www.midcontinent.org/1385-update-grate-progress/