Work on 2 foot Monson 3 continues

o anderson · **Posted:** Tue May 20, 2014 9:59 pm

This is from a recent update on the Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes web page:

Quote:

The photos would not appear to show progress, but she now has:

New tubes (the only planned item)
New firebox
New staybolts
New smoke box
New dry pipe
and a bunch of lesser stuff.
Yes, she passed her preliminary hydro test!

Before she goes back into service she still needs:

New throttle poppet valve
New accessory steam manifold and mounting bracket
New exterior plumbing installed by a steam fitter (old was removed in Phillips)
New insulation (asbestos abatement was done in Phillips)
Reapplication of boiler jacket and all the other "stuff" we removed in Phillips.
Final hydro test.

WHAT WE NEED MOST NOW IS MONEY!!!
We started with a $25,000 budget on a $18,000 quote for retubing and the necessary inspections. We've spent over $131,000 (as of Mar 1, 2014). We don't owe any money, but we don't have enough for coal even if the engine was running.

I am heartened by the steady work at this Two Footer in one of the most rural locations. I hope to see Monson 3 in steam soon, as it seems to me that this project is over the hump, and on the final legs toward completion.

If you have the capacity, it is very much worth your support!
http://srrl-rr.org/Projects/Monson_3/Monson_3.htm

o anderson · **Posted:** Sun Nov 01, 2015 10:47 am

Posted yesterday on the Facebook page dedicated for the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum's B&H #7 rebuild, is information about the organization's Monson #3 (still under lease to the Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes group in Phillips).

Apparently the engine was hauled to Maine Locomotive and Machine Works where final boiler and mechanical restoration activities occurred.

Quote:

Today, another huge milestone was reached on the path to rehabilitating the Maine Narrow Gauge Steam fleet. Monson Railroad #3 moved under its own power again for the first time in 8 years following a major boiler overhaul. This accomplishment reflects a strengthening partnership between the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, Sandy River and Rangley Lakes Railroad and Maine Locomotive and Machine Works. Over the next couple of weeks, final reassembly will take place and the locomotive will be transported to Portland for FRA inspection and placement into service for Polar Express. In the spring #3 will be returned to Phillips, Maine where it will operate at the Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad Museum through an ongoing lease agreement with the Maine Narrow Gauge. We hope you will celebrate this major milestone with us by riding behind #3 during Polar Express or in Phillips next season.

Photos at the page linked below.
https://www.facebook.com/BridgtonSacoRiverEngine7Rebuild/posts/921800834522880

philip.marshall · **Posted:** Sun Nov 01, 2015 2:37 pm

Congratulations to all involved! This is great news, both for the Maine NG Museum and the SR&RL group, as well as Maine Locomotive & Machine Works.

Monson No. 3 has been dear to my heart since I first rode behind her at Edaville when I was 7 years old.

-Philip Marshall

Rob Gardner · **Joined:** Sat Aug 21, 2004 10:50 pm **Posts:** 576

That is indeed great NG news. Can anyone tell us who makes up Maine Locomotive and Machine Works?

Rob Gardner

philip.marshall · **Posted:** Sun Nov 08, 2015 5:45 pm

I believe that Maine Locomotive & Machine is run by Brian Fanslau.

Word has it that Monson No. 3 passed her FRA inspection yesterday (Saturday 11/7).

-Philip Marshall

b. barry · **Posted:** Sun Nov 08, 2015 7:00 pm

Three arriving in Portland and being unloaded.

Four outside the engine house.

Three and four posed for pictures.

The engines were then switched out and four was trucked across the parking lot to the museum building for display.

Four just unloaded from the truck at the museum door.