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| FRRS Fundraising Campaign for Steam Locomotive WP 165 https://www.rypn.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=21489 |
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| Author: | FRRSWebmaster [ Mon Oct 16, 2006 11:59 am ] |
| Post subject: | FRRS Fundraising Campaign for Steam Locomotive WP 165 |
FRRS Announces Its "10K in 30 Days" Fundraising Campaign for Restoration of Steam Locomotive WP 165 Portola, CA, October 12, 2006 - WP Steam may live again at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola, CA. The Feather River Rail Society (FRRS) obtained the WP 165, an American Locomotive Company 0-6-0 steam locomotive last year and is currently working on assessing the condition of the piece to determine if an operational restoration is feasible. The 165 is one of only five remaining Western Pacific Steam engines. It was built in November 1919 for United Verde Copper Company of Jerome, Arizona as their #87. On September 17, 1927, the 165 and three sister UVCC engines were sold to the WP and become the road's S-34 class, numbered 163-166. The FRRS has placed Mr. Chris Allan, owner of Historic Railway Consultants, in the position of Chief Mechanical Officer, Steam. Mr. Allan brings nearly 30 years of steam locomotive repair and restoration to the organization. "I am looking forward to the challenge of restoring the WP 165, and appreciate the chance to work in such a dynamic environment and with the energetic group of people at the WPRM in Portola. I look towards the day when WP steam once again polishes the rails," said Mr. Allan regarding his involvement with the project. Early studies indicate that the locomotive may be in better condition than originally thought, although a complete inspection cannot be completed without removal of the boiler jacket and boiler insulating materials. "We are very excited that preliminary ultrasound work shows promise that the boiler is in good shape and the superheater tubes are actually in such a condition that we may be able to re-use them if we so choose," stated Rod McClure, FRRS President. The cost to complete the first phase of the project, jacket and insulation removal, is anticipated to cost $10,000. The organization needs to begin the work mid-November so that additional testing and restoration can progress prior to Spring 2007. The FRRS has begun a fundraising effort to secure the financing needed for this step. All Western Pacific and Steam supporters are encouraged to participate by donating to the project by visiting the FRRS Steam Webpage at http://steam.wplives.org or by mail at: FRRS/WPRM P.O. Box 608 Portola, CA 96122 ATTN: $10K in 30 Days All donations in the amount of $500 or more will receive a set of 25 note cards with an artistic depiction of the 165. The Fundraising drive has already received commitments of $1,000 match donations from FRRS Member Roger Stabler and The Will and Barbra Wood Charitable Fund. The total anticipated expense to restore the locomotive to operating condition is $200,000-250,000. Contact - For more information, please contact Rod McClure, FRRS President, at 775-750-2539 or by e-mail at: President@wplives.org. The Feather River Rail Society is the owner/operator of the Western Pacific Railroad Museum at Portola, CA. The Society's mission is the preservation, interpretation and education of the public as to the Western Pacific Railroad and its employees. |
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