The Railroaders Memorial Museum would like to thank The Pennsylvania Railroad Technical & Historical Society for generously launching their $100,000 Match Challenge! We need a little more than $19,500 to reach the total campaign goal. This $100,000 campaign will go towards purchasing firebox material. Donate through the society and they will match your contribution dollar-for-dollar. Help fund the firebox material by donating via their website at http://www.prrths.org. Meanwhile, FMW Solutions has been working diligently to design and fabricate the replacement firebox. Here, the first two new pieces, the "Belpaire Sheets," are shown fitted to the boiler as Vice President of Mechanical Shane Meador examines the work. Your continued support is greatly needed! Learn more about The Spirit of Altoona at http://www.railroadcity.org/1361.

So good to finally see this locomotive receiving the caliber of attention needed to fully restore her to reliable runner status.

All made possible by the financial seed monies and leadership provided by Wick Moorman Bennett Levin and Henry Posner who have publicly pledged to see this through to a successful conclusion.

Once back in service I'm sure the 1361 will put on a grand show, worthy of all the efforts to bring her back to life.

Onward & upward. Ross Rowland

Has the full cost of 1361's restoration been published or discussed? How much has been raised so far? Is $19,500 the cost of materials and labor or one half the cost?

In my mind, this post raises more questions than answers.

For answers to your questions feel free to visit https://www.railroadcity.org/1361.html or watch the announcement clip here: https://youtu.be/3VHCkwjmckA

Thank you for your interest we hope you consider becoming a supporter!

I actually did do that before writing this post. I just didn't really see the answers there on the site. You guys are probably doing a great job raising money for this restoration but I just thought these were pertinent questions to be addressed.

David, this might help you out: https://s3.amazonaws.com/ClubExpressClubFiles/171391/documents/PDF_Presentation1361_2079874131.pdf?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIA6MYUE6DNNNCCDT4J&Expires=1650320162&response-content-disposition=inline%3B%20filename%3DPDF_Presentation1361.pdf&Signature=0RJMiVOzO%2FP2bpdQqyh6NGzFsCI%3D

Looks like $19,500 is needed to reach $100,000 raised by the museum. At that time the PRRHTS will give another $100,000 to the museum for the project. the resulting $200,000 would be used in purchasing materials for the firebox. Now I know that steel prices have risen, but I was unaware that a few tons of steel plate now costs nearly a quarter million dollars so I assume that the money would also include some fabrication or forming.

As is the case with ALL steam locomotive restorations the total cost will not be known until the final nut is tightened and the engine completes its break-in runs and is returned to revenue service.

An educated guess ( operative word=guess) can be made once the machine is totally disassembled, all the boiler readings have been obtained and a complete punch list is made of all tasks needed to return her to reliable runner status.

In the specific case of the 1361 numerous parties over many years have contributed to its endless saga and the current very professional team ( finally !! ) have had to overcome that sad legacy as well.

They are being very open about the process and I'm sure if you're on the Altoona museums email list they will keep you informed of the progress and costs.

Ross Rowland

Silly question,
Do we know where this is going to run?
Will Norfolk Southern even agree to haul this out of altoona?
The Northern Central, where I got to ride behind it last time.
Wmsr, Everett, Strasburg, maybe New Hope.
I do know of a steam friendly route north of Reading, where it could actually cut loose...

ScratchyX1, Not at all a silly question. The museum is building bridges within the industry. Arrangements will be made at a much later date at the appropriate time. -Thanks

Follow the links to Project Promotional Videos and general information:

Website:
www.railroadcity.org

Promo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeQNVCFj31k

Press Conference on K4 Launch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VHCkwjmckA

Frame Walk Through:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHcIJ5w5Wuk

Boiler Walk Through:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPMw9NhcJtg

Project Booklet:
https://www.railroadcity.org/uploads/1/ ... ooklet.pdf

Highly recommend these videos if you're interested in the restoration of this iconic locomotive.

The boiler walk through one is especially informative.

Enjoy. Ross Rowland