The locomotive boiler has been reflued and retubed. All staybolts are installed and we are waiting for winter to break so that the superheater units can be tested and to hydro the boiler. If it goes well, steamup should follow shortly. This has taken years to reach this point and wouldn't have been possible without the efforts of many people.

The Project is 95% funded and due to that the fact that material costs have escalated, we have secured some funds to cover this shortfall and we are seeking any finantial help to finally get the 113 operating. We are a nonprofit 501 (C) 3 corporation making all contributions tax deductable. Please send contributions to RRProject 113, 113 E. Sunbury St., Minersville, PA 17954.

Any questions email us at rrproject113@hotmail.com or call the station at 570-544-8300.

Thanks for sharing. Are there any recent photos online? This is going to be the biggest steam story in the East.

The February issue Railfan and Railroad is supposed to have an article on #113 covering the history of the restoration along with a photograph.

Bernie

I've seen the February issue, and Jeff Terry did his usual thorough, interesting writing about the locomotive. It's a must read in my opinion.

Doug

I read the article on the restoration of CNJ 113 just today and I was wondering about the tender wheels.
Why would Conrail have had an issue regarding cast iron wheels? Why wouldn't they move it? I can understand (now) friction or roller bearings, but cast iron wheelsets, in MY eyes only makes it heavier and not much different. Then again, just my opinion. What did they find wrong with it?

In the late 1970's there were a bunch of defective cast iron wheels made that cracked in service causing some nasty derailments. Do you recall the black square with a yellow or white circle in it on the lower right side of freight cars? All cars that were OK got a yellow circle, those with a white one had the subject cast iron wheels and were to be sent to home shop for wheel replacement.

Someone at Conrail remembered that business, no doubt.

The yellow dot wheels were a particular cast steel (Southern-ABEX?) wheel that was a "remove on sight" component, and the dot showed that the car had been inspected, and no such wheels were found. Also, if the suspect wheels had been found and changed, the yellow dot was applied. This was in the mid-late 70s, as I remember it.

Cast iron wheels had been prohibited in interchange by about 1970 (earlier?) and getting a railroad to move a car with those was almost impossible even in the 70s. Fuggedabout it now.... don't even ask.

Howard P.

Okay, thanks. I guess that makes a lot more sense now. That being said I wish the 113 crew nothing but the best on their hydro in the upcoming months and possible trial runs as well!!