I need to make a presentation to a community council on what keeping the park steam engine on display will probably cost them. The thought is to show them what would happen if nothing is done (Tender tank is slowly collapsing the rotten wood deck under it, cab is rusting away at the floor line, vandals have removed the Bell,and most of the Backhead parts, broken out the window frames and stolen the tender logo signs), what it would probably cost to do a full comsetic restoration, and the cost to put up a protective shelter so the restoration can last more than ten years.
If you can direct me to any documented info, including horror stories (like non-survivng locos), it would be greatly appreciated.
A restoration that come to mind is the Gunnison, CO restoration (where do I get the $ numbers for that one?)
Thanks!
Steamcerely,
David Dewey

djdewey@cncnet.com

I think the hard part will be to try to draw the line at what needs to be done. If there is a lot of visual deterioration (which apparently there is) you can be sure that once you are into the job, more problems will become apparent as you dimantle areas for repair and uncover underlying rot or decrepitude. (Is that a word?)

If the locomotive still has the outer boiler jacket I would suggest it be removed and any underlying insulation be removed as it unerringly holds moisture. Figure on big bucks as it probably contains asbestos.

So one approach would be to break it down into different 'trades', such as woodworking, welding and metal work, remediation of hazardous material, painting, etc and then add a hefty 'contingency', maybe 30-40% on top of that for unknown items.

Bob Kutella


68trolley@attbi.com

Bob said it very well, which is why I want to get some actual costs from other restorations. I realize that the costs COULD vary from a paint job to some major structural repairs. This loco appears to need the A word removed from the backhead, window frames repaired (although they seem to get broken out every two years or so, despite being covered with plexiglass), tender tank removed and replaced so new decking can be built (crane costs??), cab sides repaired. Then an over-all paint job, and new tender logo signs (they were stolen last year). Then a roof to keep the weather off, and lots of lighting to dicourage vandalism (which recently seems to be railfan or steam parts dealer centered based on what is being taken (Lubricator, valves, etc.).
So what have other places had to pay to get this kind of work done? If you know of a park engine that has been restored in the past ten years, let me know where it is so I can persue the numbers from the parks people!
Many many thanks!
Steamcerely,
David Dewey


djdewey@cncnet.com

A couple of contractor figures from 1995-96 stick in my mind:

$75,000 to do a cosmetic job and repaint on a rusty 2-10-0. This one required quite a bit of work on the backhead and installation of the side rods.

$100,000 to do a cosmetic job and repaint on a rusty 4-6-0 that required some serious work on the cab and a replicated tender (the old one had rotted way) tank.

In house, they can be done for much less, depending on the level of rot.

http://nctrans.org
Wrinnbo@aol.com

David,

I did a write up and cost study on a locomotive that has since been restored to service. Here is what I did. I used a spreadsheet on Microsoft Excel and listed all of the tasks that needed to be done in the first column. In the next column I listed the low end cost which was pretty much material cost and use of members doing the work so there was no labor cost. Third column was the cost of the task with materials and paid labor. Total up the low and high end columns and you will have a range.

I worked in industry for 15 years doing this type of stuff for a living and it has always seemed to eb pretty close.

Tom Gears

I did a similiar job to UP 616 in Nampa, ID. It cost me about $1500 to prep/prime/paint it, build new cylinder and compressor jacketing, fix all the lenses, build plywood "windows" etc. Fortunately, most of its insulation is asbestos blocks, which aren't so moisture holding, and I simply made patches for the jacketing as the railroad would. I did this myself with one volunteer in about 200 man-hours. I agree with others that it is good for the locomotive to get the jacketing and insulation off, if you can afford it. Try to get behind where the rust is forming and clean out the leaves and mud that are usually the culprits. Then, use some rust neutralizer and call it good. I also wouldn't bother reapplying the jacketing if it's gone or you take it off. Most people looking at a park engine are not familiar enough with steam locomotives to justify replacing jacketing or missing parts. If there's a fence around it, there's no need to spend thousands of dollars making it perfect when no one can get near enough to appreciate the work. Just go for "black and pretty." Almost half my budget went into lettering, and I think it's worth it. Your work will buy some time for it and maybe even a chance to run again. Let me know if you need any advise.

mjanssen@sunvalley.net

"In house" is about the only affordable way to rebuild a steam locomotive. I suggest getting local volunteers involved that know a particular trade..welding, machining, even hazardous material removal. Some asbestos removal companies will offer special rate for this. Also, local boy scout groups can do projects as well.

We did the FRA 1472 day rebuild on our 1910 Heisler loco. for about $15,000 in material and the labor was all volunteer.

Scott Wickert
Oregon Coast Explorer



steamlokie@harborside.com