Southern Railway 401, 2-8-0 (BLW 32487 / 1907) at Monticello Railway Museum, Monticello, Illinois, is nearing the completion of a complete overhaul, which included a new boiler and new tender body.

Monticello Railway Museum has included on their website an interesting two-part series of images depicting repairs to Southern 401:

Southern 401 Repairs part 1: http://www.mrym.org/401.html
Southern 401 Repairs part 2: http://www.mrym.org/401_pt2.html

On September 19 - 20, 2009, Monticello Railway Museum will host its "Railroad Days" festival. Additional insights at: http://www.mrym.org/rrdays.html

TRS

I am really impressed with the progress you guys have made on that engine. I had the privilege of volunteering at Monticello last year for maybe 3-4 weekends when my company had me out there on training and I must say that you guys have one of the most dedicated volunteer basis I have ever seen. I remember seeing that engine last year and thought for sure it would take you guys at least another 3-4 years with volunteer labor to get her running again. Good luck on completing the project. I am sure many of us who volunteer on less dedicated projects are rather jealous. Just seeing what you consider almost complete via the pictures, would be a year or two off for the group I volunteer at.

Adam

401 is now being disassembled to install the lagging and jacket. It passed inspection last Friday, so things are moving along.

For those interested in our Railroad Days, there are a couple 'special' events that have not been announced yet: several 20 minute and one 1 hour cab ride on the Leviathan. On Saturday we will also have a night photo session featuring scenes with Leviathan, Wabash F7 1189, and two Norfolk Southern F units.