So now it appears that Steamtown is down to only four operating passenger coaches, and three of them need to be taken out of service for maintenance. Due to this, a planned steam excursion with # 26 for Father's Day was cancelled and it looks like other upcoming operations for this weekend are being cancelled. I think it's time for a serious investigation into where exactly Steamtown's funding goes. There has been very little transparency into what exactly is happening with #3713, if anything, and now the rolling stock is breaking down. Where does funding earmarked for maintenance go?

The Iron Horse Society has done some excellent work on the CNJ crane, and other projects, but what actual maintenance is being performed by the Steamtown staff?

https://www.facebook.com/steamtownnhs/

https://www.facebook.com/theironhorsesociety/

John

Truth is some NPS inspector came out of left field and found all 4 of the only serviceable 4 coaches Steamtown had in its fleet to contain Asbestos and he flagged them into out of service status and killed the sold out Father's Day excursion to be pulled by # 26 and organized by the Iron Horse Society.

Another sad but true circular firing squad story.

Ross Rowland

Thanks for the explanation Ross, what a mess. Still don't understand though how they are down to so few operating coaches.

John

While returning from Saturday's Iron Horse Rambles, I swung by Steamtown just to see if there were signs of life and they were running the little yard hop, albeit with the CNJ combine and DL&W caboose. Having heard the news about all the coaches getting kicked out of service, I expected them to not be running anything.

Okay, someone coherently explain this to us.

Some NPS inspector found asbestos in all four cars. Either they were mistaken as to the asbestos, the cars had some form of asbestos or substitute that had been encapsulated or otherwise made not dangerous (I think "friable" is the buzz word), or someone found something never noticed before.

From my experience with bureaucracy, I'm inclined to suspect this is a classic case of "the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing." These cars had been rolling all this time under a Federal bureaucracy and that stuff was never addressed before? Or, the amount was formerly deemed too small to address, but the inspector only had to find one fiber to condemn all four cars?

Exactly. But what I find just as troubling is that in years past, not all that long ago, they were running some trips that had around 10 cars. What happened to all the others that would keep them from being used now? Isn't any running maintenance being performed? It's no different than 2317 and 3254 being taken out of service with nothing coming online to replace them.

John

https://www.facebook.com/theironhorseso ... LiVuKe7gbi
"Iron Horse Society
June 16
Iron Horse Society Cancels Father's Day Excursion Due to Equipment Failures
Steamtown National Historic Site, Scranton, PA, June 16, 2024 — The Iron Horse Society (IHS) unfortunately cancelled today’s Father’s Day Excursion due to unexpected equipment failures. This event's cancellation underscores the significant challenges currently faced by Steamtown National Historic Site (SNHS) and highlights the critical importance of IHS's mission to support and preserve our railroading heritage.
Earlier this week, three of SNHS’s four operational passenger cars were removed from service for necessary environmental inspections by the National Park Service. To ensure today's sold-out trip would proceed, IHS collaborated closely with SNHS to secure alternative passenger equipment from the Delaware-Lackawanna Railroad. However, a mechanical issue with the replacement car was discovered late this morning, prompting the cancellation.
“We share the disappointment of our riders,” said Dominick Tardogno, President of the Iron Horse Society. “Not only does this disrupt a special Father’s Day event, but it also impacts our crucial fundraising efforts. Every ticket sale from this trip was intended to support IHS projects at Steamtown, helping to preserve our rich railroading heritage for future generations.”
Support "Revive the Ride"
While today's cancellation is a setback, it underscores the urgent need for restoring and maintaining SNHS’s historic fleet. IHS is offering full refunds to all ticket holders, but kindly ask everyone, including the general public, to consider supporting the ”Revive the Ride - Return Coaches 334 & 335 to Service" campaign (https://www.zeffy.com/.../402e3337-f83f-4d6a-9842...). This initiative aims to restore SNHS’s 300-series Lackawanna "trailer" coaches to service, preserving these historical treasures and enhancing IHS’s ability to offer unforgettable rail experiences in the future.
“We are currently working to assist the park service with their equipment problems,” Tardogno added. “The revenue from this excursion was part of that effort to rebuild existing and acquire more passenger cars and locomotives. To our Father’s Day excursion ticket holders, I say, please don’t be dismayed. The IHS is climbing a difficult grade, and we need all the support you can provide. Please consider donating to the IHS and purchasing tickets for our future excursions to help us make Steamtown better.”
The Iron Horse Society deeply appreciates your understanding and support during this challenging time. Together, we can overcome these hurdles and ensure that Steamtown National Historic Site continues to be a place where history comes alive for everyone.
Contact information:
Dominick Tardogno
President, Iron Horse Society
Phone: (570) 266-8328
Email: info@TheIronHorseSociety.com"

The Iron Horse Society has also restarted fundraising for 3713:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-fo ... fb76422ef7

"Join Us in Reviving a Legend: The B&M 3713


In the heart of our community, where history whispers tales of innovation and progress, the Iron Horse Society (IHS) is embarking on a momentous journey alongside Steamtown National Historic Site. Together, we're poised to breathe life back into a true American icon: B&M 3713, affectionately known as "The Constitution." This majestic 'heavy pacific' type locomotive, crafted by the skilled hands at Lima Locomotive Works in 1934, once ruled the rails of New England, embodying the spirit of freedom and progress. Now, it stands on the cusp of a new era, ready to chug and whistle into the hearts of future generations.


But this is no small endeavor. The full restoration of B&M 3713, transforming her from a silent giant into a living, steaming testament to our shared history, requires more than just expertise—it requires a community united by a passion for preserving our railroad heritage. Under the watchful eyes of the professional shop staff at SNHS, we're setting the stage for "The Constitution" to become the largest steam locomotive ever operated by the National Park Service.


Your Role in This Historic Journey


The path to bringing B&M 3713 back to its former glory is paved with challenges, from fundraising to the intricate dance of mechanical restoration. While the exact moment when 3713 will once again ride the rails cannot be pinpointed just yet, every donation brings us closer to that inaugural journey. This is where you come in.


By supporting the restoration of B&M 3713, you're not just contributing to a project; you're becoming part of a legacy. Your generosity ensures that "The Constitution" will once again thunder through the landscape, offering awe-inspiring glimpses into a bygone era for all who witness her power and grace.


All contributions are tax-deductible and will be specifically earmarked for the restoration of 3713. This is your opportunity to be part of a story that will be told for generations to come—a story of community, innovation, and the enduring spirit of the American railroad.


Let's Make History Together


The Iron Horse Society invites you to join us in this historic undertaking. Your support not only honors the legacy of "The Constitution" but also fuels the educational and cultural missions of the Steamtown National Historic Site. Together, we can ensure that the thunderous roar of B&M 3713 becomes not just a memory, but a living, breathing experience for all who dream of the golden age of railroads.


Become a part of this extraordinary journey. Donate today and help us turn the page on a new chapter in the story of the American railroad."

I understand that two different independent contractors were involved in evaluating 3713 over the winter to determine what work remains to be done and how the restoration should best proceed. When I contacted Steamtown directly I was told that work is proceeding on the tender frame but nothing on any other remaining work. I think it would be helpful for Steamtown and the Iron Horse Society to resume restoration updates so that potential donors would have an idea as to where exactly their donations will be going. Boiler repairs? Running gear? "Project 3713"'s frequent facebook updates at least provided potential donors some incentive to contribute toward the work, and progress was readily evident before Covid/Cherie Shepherd shut things down.

John

I’ve visited Steamtown a few times, and each time I say “they have such incredible potential” - sad to see another weird and avoidable issue like this come up.

Crazy question…. Can someone buy it? Like is there any situation where a National park property has been sold?

Incredible potential! Hopes were very high around the time of the Steamtown NHS Grand Opening in, what was it, 1995? If you read the Railfan and Railroad coverage from those times referring to Steamtown as the "Jurassic Park of Steam", it will help gain an understanding of what many railfans, myself included, were so hopeful of back then and why we are so disgusted and disappointed today.

Can it be sold? That's a very good question, considering it does seem to be treated like the "stepchild" of the NPS.

John

One of my memories was taking a tour of the shop and the tour guide and a shop employee getting into a loud and heated argument in front of the guests about where we could and couldn’t go on the tour.

Pretty much sums it up. Haha.

Yeah, it does. I don't think they even do shop tours anymore.

John

Ross, government inspectors never "come out of left field". They respond to inquiries, are engaged in regular, recurrent engagements or are following up on prior inspections.

It's been known for years that the coaches had big A, but we always thought it was contained or removed. I had heard some time ago that there was an issue with couplers, as they were pretty worn, and couldn't accommodate modern ones.

There was an effort some years ago to contract replica coaches. It did not happen.


As far as buying the place, the first thing that needs to happen is a decommissioning. That doesn't happen often and when it does, the facility often goes to another government.

https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2 ... -parks9202

As far as a private owner; probably not a chance. Despite the Haz-Mat mitigation, my suspicion is that it would still come with CERCLA liabilities, but I'm not an environmental lawyer.

If it could be acquired without those liabilities, the only way it would be acquired for another purpose-but access is poor. The best way in is exit 185, but that brings you to the lights of Lackawanna Ave. Assuming that's not an issue, It's too big, the existing structures are incredibly specialized and the amount of money required to address the maintenance backlog on both the real property and the rolling stock would be prohibitive.

The buildings remain closed.

Don't forget, one of Steamtown's coaches is still sitting in Wyoming, in whatever state it was in before people went to jail and the business bankrupt. I believe the plan WAS to send one car per year out there to get refurbished and sent back within that year. Ever since that incident, I imagine that it's not a high priority anymore, to do something like that again...