I'm new to this list. I'm a volunteer with Austin Steam Train Assoc and am involved with the restoration efforts of Mikado SP 786.

I've just created a new photo gallery of the restoration progress of 786. I will be updating it regularly so interested folks can keep current.
http://www.pointech.com/786

If you are not already familiar with 786, it was an SP locomotive that ran in Texas and was placed in a park in Austin. In the early 1990s, it was restored by the Austin Steam Train Association & put is excursion service in the Hill Country around Austin. After several years of operation a crack was discovered in the left cylinder saddle and it was taken out of service.

Over several years, 786 underwent a major disassembly. It was decided that the cracked casting could not be repaired, so two new cylinder saddles were patterned & cast. They are currently being machined and fit to the frame in Alabama. The boiler & other parts have been sent to various contractors for refurbishment.

This has been a long, tedious process, mostly depending on volunteer efforts. Work by contractors has really sped up the process and we hope to maintain adequate cash flow to keep the work going. The completion date is largely a function of funding and vendor resources & time.

Cheers, John Mandell
Austin, TX

PS, I've cross-posted this announcement in a few other BBs. Please take no offense if you see it again!

Just wanted to say thanks for the website info with update. Had been wondering who and what was going on with #786. Very complete rebuild with some of the best shops doing the major work. Good sailing to all involved. Cheers, John.

Whoa! WOW! What an amazing job being done on this old girl. I am thinking she just might be the most totally rebuild steamer out there once completed. Thanks for sharing.