Attention Santa Fe Fans -
On August 9, 2006, the shop forces of Wasatch Railroad Contractors began the restoration of former ATSF Steam Locomotive No. 3415, located in Abilene, KS. The large 1919 Baldwin 4-6-2 has found residence in Abilene for many years and is expected to return to service on the Abilene and Smokey Valley Railroad.
The current phase of work includes the removal of several sections of the firebox that have wasted away for one reason or another. Notably, both side sheets at the mud ring have been removed and will be replaced including all of the mud ring rivets in the same areas. The back head has had a large section removed and will be replaced by a new sheet. The door sheet, which literally has holes in it as a result of sitting in the city park, has also been removed and will be replaced.
A number of wasted areas in the wrapper sheet will be repaired. These areas will most likely be pad-welded as they are not large. The first boiler course will also undergo some minor repair. A number of wrapper sheet rivets have also been removed and will be replaced with rivets that have sufficient heads for operational service. Progress updates will be posted here and on wasatch-rr-contractors.com.
The Abilene and Smokey Valley Railroad hopes to have the locomotive in operation no later than the summer of 2008.
Under the direction of David W. Griner, Wasatch Railroad Contractors will begin fabrication of new boiler sheets at the company’s home shop located in Cheyenne, WY. Once the new sheets have been prepared, the WRC crew will return to Abilene to install the new pieces and continue work on the locomotive.
This project is being funded by TEA-21 grant money. The A&SVRR is seeking volunteers to aid in the restoration project. If you are interested in helping this project move forward, please contact the railroad at:
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
200 S. Fifth Street
P.O. Box 744
Abilene, KS 67410
Email: info@asvrr.org
Phone: (785) 263-1077
Toll-free: (888) 426-6687
Matthew A. Janssen is preparing cut lines for the removal of firebox sheets while David W. Griner pays special attention to the wrapper sheet.