Anybody have an update on the Medco #4 Willamette restoration? Last update (2012) showed rebuilt boiler installed and engines being installed. Any news?

I'm a long way from there now, but still get their newsletter. They continue to work on the engine with the eventual goal of operating it locally.

Sorry I don't have anything more specific.

So, sounds like they have already used up at least 5 years of their 15 year ticket.

Is that the boiler shell or the boiler with the tubes? It's one thing to rebuild the shell and another thing to begin putting the tubes in.

My understanding is that the counting begins with the installation of the first tube.

The flue/tube/boiler accreditation? That doesnt start till its fully inspected.
The inspectors will look over and check the boiler, make their suggestions it needs something, and be back later when work gets done. They did that with IRM's decapod.
Its running happily now.

First off Part 230.17 includes:



And the rest of Part 230 can be read here: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/search/pagede ... ycord=3078 mld

From what I read on their web site, tubes and superheaters were installed and hydro tests were done by the boiler contractor in 2012 and witnessed by an FRA inspector. Sounds like the clock is running to me. Last web site update was also 2012.

Sometime in the last six months or more several pieces of the #4 were at Stockton Locomotive Works. I remember seeing a few details of the work and the parts being shipped back to Medford on one of my rare visits to Facebook.

Jeff Moore
Elko, NV

Are there any new updates regarding the restoration of Medco #4? It will be really exciting to see a second Willamette up and running (considering how rare they were even during the steam era).

There was actually an update about this posted to Facebook today in the "American Steam Locomotive Restoration Groups & Projects" group. Several photos of no. 4 inside a shed are included, and it looks to be in very good condition. According to the poster, the restoration is nearly complete. The superheater needs to be installed, some cab work remains, and the drive train needs to be reassembled. If that's all accurate, hopefully we'll see it in steam in the near future.

I saw that about the time I posted this. It's excellent to hear that the locomotive's restoration is still proceeding well. Is there a website documenting the restoration? Where do they plan to operate the Willamette once it is finished? I'd like to know since I've only just found out about this restoration.

I saw somewhere where Rogue Valley Terminal, a 14 or so mile short line connecting to the Central Oregon and Pacific (G&W) just north of Medford, was a possible option for operation, but I don't know that the railroad was ever consulted or gave its approval. I can't see G&W letting them run on the Siskyou Summit line, even though that would be really impressive. Yreka CA is around 50 miles away, and the Yreka Western, which used to run steam-powered excursions, is still there, though its ownership is in a state of flux right now and it has been dormant for several years.