Can anyone update us on the status of the restoration of BSFS 0-6-0 #14? The RR's website shows that as of 2004 the frame was back on the drivers and side rods had been rehung as well as a brand new tender tank on the frame. I recall that they spent all the money that had and may be still raising funds for the remainder of the project. How far did they get with the boiler work?

Rob Gardner

From what I understand K&T #14 has been restored to the point where the locomotive just needs complete reassembling and full testing which in itself is expensive. The good news is that about two months ago the state governers office announced that the project will be getting a $600,000 state grant to complete the project and get #14 running by the 2011 operating season. This move was made in hopes of boosting tourism numbers in the area which it would definately do.

The restoration has been held back by a number of factors. The straining of funds from the initial grant to get the engine running was one factor. However another was the fact that when the money dried up the hired parties involved simply got busy on other groups projects (that had money to keep paying them) and didn't have time to return to the #14 as funds became available to do one or two certain parts along the way.

That and the railroads owners pulling the boner move of firing Mark Jordan and running off Bill Johnson (the two best steam men in the state) didn't help things move along. On another note Bill was also the BSFSRY webmaster hence the reason nothings been added to the website since his leaving.

I have spoken up on this topic in the past and the thread was locked and removed. I'll just say that Bill Johnson was a board member at Big South Fork as well as webmaster. I was manager/superintendent, and started the restoration and the initial securing of funds. After about 6 months of work, the board of directers hired a contractor, and I and the board were at odds, ending in my termination. Further decay led to Mr. Johnson's resignation, and thus the only two people involved with ANY steam experience are gone. I will not comment on the rest of the matter, as my opinion and the BSFSRY's opinion differs, but the truth is that a lot of money has been spent, and a lot more will be spent, and the project is still a long ways from completion.

To answer Mr. Gardner's initial question:

So far, over $1.1 million has been spent to my knowledge. Another $600k is now at hand, totalling $1.7 - $1.8 million range.

Boiler is on a flatcar with no firebox in it. New firebox sheets have been made, and await fitting up. Fit up of sheets, all welding, stays, flex stays, flues/tubes await completion. Front tube sheet is awaiting patch at bottom. Studs for dome lid and other boiler studs await repair/renewal. Drypipe work and delivery pipe work needs to be completed. New smokebox has been rolled and awaits assembly to boiler.

Boiler must be reassembled to frame. New waist sheets/flex plates, etc.

Wheels, axles, drive boxes, spring rigging and rods are assembled. New cab, running boards await installation. All piping, and small items etc. need installed.

It is my understanding that the current managers of the restoration have very little choo choo experience. So therefore they are at the mercy of contractors who are a little spendy and the restoration will therefore cost a lot more and take a lot longer.

I wonder if they even need a steamer? Do they have the facilities and manpower to operate a steamer? It do make a difference.

T7

Those are good but also multifasited questions.

Does the BSFSRY need a steamer? That question can be asked about any tourist railroad. Nobody actually -needs- a steamer however despite what some people think having one operating DOES bring up passenger numbers. Plus the fact that so much money and time has already been spent on the project you might as well see it through at this point or just become another "well they sure screwed that engine up" story.

Does the BSFSRY have proper facilities? Yes, the K&T left behind the original steam backshop and the diesel repair shop with pits. So they do have a place where the engine can be housed and maintained. Coaling and water are merely the matters of a good water pump and someone who knows their way around a backhoe. As a matter of fact #14 was maintained and kept running completely outdoors for almost 30 years when she ran at the Tombstone Junction amusement park.

Do they have the manpower is a two step question. Can they get the manpower needed to run the locomotive. Yes of course, you can find any number of guys that will come and play choo choo with you.

Will they have the EXPERIENCED manpower needed to properly run the locomotive and keep it maintained - NO. As mentioned previously the BSFSRY had literally -THE- two guys they needed to operate this engine correctly and one of them was even working for free! But they've been run off and now you've got a bunch of guys playing trains that even if they manage to get #14 running are going to bury her right back into the ground jerking her up and down those 4% grades down there all day.

Lesson learned: If you have guys that know your engine inside and out - LISTEN TO THEM.

Allow me to temper Boilerwash's post:

1) BSFSRY currently does not have experienced crew to operate steam. Myself and Mr. Johnson were the only two, and we knew this when beginning the project. We had a plan for educating existing interested personell and had several folks for volunteers. Management was not interested in any volunteer system for restoration or operation, and currently there is no volunteer system. Any steam talent will have to be "imported" if and when time comes. As a side note, BSFSRY did hire one steam person after I left, and then proceeded to fire him a year later....he is now working at another steam railroad. Only KRM currently has "steam people" on L&N 152 in this state.

2) Facilities: Yes, there are two shop buildings which are very suitable, including an overhead crane and pits. There are no machine shop facilities, and machining will have to be done elsewhere until machine shop capability can be implemented. Again, there is no current effort by BSFSRY management to address this.

3) Is there a need for steam?: BSFSRY is in a remote, economically depressed area, and the entire area desperately needs more tourist income. ALL of the funding has been granted via the local congressman for the area due to this need. The railroad operates into a National Park, and the scenery is rugged and uncivilized. Also, the line operates on a 3% grade for most of it's length. After nearly 25 years of diesel operation, the RR is stagnant; steam, new all weather cars, added mileage, etc. are the plan for attracting the public, and the reason this project was undertaken. This scenario is ripe for another "Cass style" steam railroad, with heavy grade and a "working loco". Steam operation was considered part time and existing diesel for the remainder. I and Mr. Johnson understand the up side and down side to steam operation, but I'm not convinced that BSFSRY senior management does, as they have no background, and have chosen to listen to a contractor.

Before somebody jumps in to critique:
1) There IS a machine shop within 100ft of the main RR shop. It is privately owned and agreeable to most small to moderate jobs, and is equipped with most all medium sized equipment, lathes, mills, drill presses, hydraulic presses, etc. It cannot handle any major work, but can the minor stuff. This was taken into account when starting the project. TVRM is not terribly far away, and there are several shops that could be used for the major stuff. Local boiler certified welding service had been secured prior to starting the project as well.
2) A new water main was laid to service the locomotive's water needs in Stearns at the shop area. A site for basic coal (backhoe) loading had been addressed.

If you re-read this thread, you'll understand my mixed emotions concerning posting this document here, but feel that it should be posted. If you choose to call Becki, tell her I posted this. I don't have any current involvement with BSFSRY, and as far as I know, this is a legitimate RFP/Bid document:

Mark, you willingness to share information - despite whatever did or didn't happen - is to be saluted. If there is going to be any meaningful progress on this project, it will likely be because of it.

Wasatch Railroad Contractors has been named the successful contractor for the new funding cycle. Photos of the locomotive can be found at http://www.bsfsry.com. Generally, nothing much has changed since the latest photos (circa 2004) were posted.

Steam Operations Corporation has been retired from the project, and I understand that well over $1 million has been spent to date. The new funding (federal grant) is for an additional $750,000 to complete the project. To date, the project is almost 10 years old.

I understand that the project is anticipated to be completed sometime in summer 2013. There is a lot of work yet to be done, as the firebox is not in the boiler yet, etc.....

Also, as of this writing, I am not aware of any support facilities nor crew for this project when completed. It will be interesting to see how that is handled.

That's going to be one expensive 0-6-0 before it's finished. It already is!
Maybe they should have bought a Chinese mike and Americanized it.

Frisco1522,

For that amount (per less than year old pricing) you could have bought 4 JS or QJ type lokis rebuilt, americanized and delivered. This is why I am such a proponent of chinese steam for tourist railroad (none museum) settings. The price can't be beat, it just costs more to rebuild.

Cheers, Jason

While not explicitly rail related, this is newsworthy. Many tourist railroads exist in conjunction with historic properties, and Stearns is one of them. The McCreary County Heritage Foundation operates the railroad and manages the National Historic District. This past Saturday is a date that will long be remembered. The Coffee Shop/Restaurant, Original movie Theater, and Company Store #1 were burned, with severe damage to Store #1 and the restaurant and theater a complete loss. Apparently the fire started from a cigarette or bottle rocket in a very dry mulch bed and shrubs adjacent to the restaurant. This is a severe setback for Stearns.
Take note and learn. Defend your properties.

Compound tragedy. I wonder if there's enough structure and interest to restore the classic building?