I didn't want to say anything before about the progress on this engine as it is a privately owned locomotive and I didn't know if the owner wanted anything said or not. I never asked him, but now that the word is out, I feel it is ok to do so.

A few weeks ago the boiler went off to Milwaukee Boiler {WI} for the needed boiler work. All the parts except the throat sheet were already formed and ready to install. Last I heard the throat sheet was 90% done and was waiting for a measurement to finish. It very well might be in WI already, coming from Chattanooga. The rivets and staybolts are also inhouse. The code welding will be done here as well as the riveting as of last word. The riveting is supposed to be done there, but by outside people.

Gary Bensman and Steam Operations Inc are or have been assisting with much of the prep work that has led to this progress. As of now I do not know of a time frame of completion of this work, but I do believe once they get started it will go pretty quick.

Meanwhile there is a lot of work done and ongoing on the running gear. One crown brass needs to be replaced and a stubborn lateral problem corrected. Both cyl need to be bored and pistons built up and machined as well. We jacked the frame up to get the driving boxes out a couple of weeks ago, but have other things going on that need attention first. Most of the work is being done outside in the snow, as the shop is filled with the Montreal #1 and the diesils that are kept indoors. They are the bread and butter of motive power at the moment so they get to stay inside. The boiler also has a new smokebox bolted on, but will not rivet it on till later in the process of reinstalling the boiler to the frame.

Well this is rough, hopefully accurate update on the Polson engine. I think this engine will be running before the Montreal #1, but that is just my person guess. It has been an awful dry spell for steam at MC, but we shall overcome. Cheers, John.