From the Middletown paper this week... please note the paragraph about the cost almost doubling... Jim

Old 91 Ready To Breathe Fire Again On The M&H
By Shirley Ely
Press–Journal Staff
Thousands of hours of devoted volunteer work has finally put a retired steam locomotive back on the right track.
"Three and a half years of devoted night and weekend work by about 20 volunteers [of the Middletown & Hummelstown Preservation Society] has readied old No. 91 to run again," said Brian Bachman, chief of mechanical operations for steam on the Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad (MHRR).
According to Bachman, engine No. 91, built in the early 1900s for the Canadian National Railway, had to undergo extensive repairs to its major running gear, boiler, smoke box, engineerÂ’s cab, drivers, wheels, compressor, valves. It also was fitted with new iron skin on both cab and tender.
Unforeseen repairs almost doubled the cost of the original estimate but despite the temporary setbacks of cost and repair, the old steam locomotive is ready to roll.
"ItÂ’s almost like new," Bachman said.
"This is exciting; it was a long time coming," said Sam Holmes, general manager for MHRR.
According to Holmes, the volunteersÂ’ hard work and dedication will come to fruition on Sat., Aug. 2. On that morning, No. 91Â’s furnace will be stoked and the conductor will give his last call for all to board. Its shrill whistle will pierce the still morning air as the side rods begin to transmit power from the pistons to the front wheels. The steam locomotive, with its cargo of passengers replete with goosebumps, will pull out of the MHRR station on E. Brown St., huffing and puffing its way into history and local lore. State and local dignitaries will be there to christen the engine at 9:30 a.m. before its maiden departure.
Built in 1910 for the Canadian National Railroad (CNR), the locomotive was used for half a century by Canadian National, the largest railway in Canada.
Steam locomotives, a symbol of railway technology for over 100 years, were eventually abandoned in 1960 for the more efficient diesel-electric locomotives.
Nick Farr, executive director for Friends For Steam, (who in 1987-Â’88 raised funds "to rebuild the railroad bridge across the Swatara Creek washed out by the Flood of Â’72), said that the engine was purchased by MHRR in the early Â’80s from private individuals in Michigan who had purchased it from CNR after it left active service.
"The engine was brought down by track to Canada, then to N.Y., then put on Pa. RR (Conrail) and pulled to its present location," Farr said. "The engine was runnable; we painted it, cleaned it up and did some repairs."
Farr said that MHRR and Friends For Steam celebrated Super Steam Saturday Champagne Run of No. 91 on June 4, 1988.
The steam locomotive "ran for the summer" and then was taken out of service; it sat from Â’88-Â’95.
"We got volunteers together and started working on the engine. Then there was a severe accident [involving a steam locomotive] in Gettysburg. As a result, the Federal Railroad Association came up with new guidelines on boilers. ItÂ’s a whole new ballgame; much stricter regulations now," Farr said.
The rest is history. Farr, along with members of Friends For Steam and MHRR firmly believe that the refurbished steam locomotive will be a major draw for steam enthusiasts and history buffs in general.
"We are hoping that the use of No. 91 will generate new business. We have about 25,000 riders a year; it has dropped off a little but we think the steam will revive it."
Middletown Mayor Robert Reid, who was present at the first christening of the locomotive back in 1988, will re-christen the engine on Aug. 2, 2003.
"ItÂ’s great. It was great the last time, it lent ambience to the community. I wish it had kept running. The steam locomotive will be very beneficial; a real plus to the community," Reid said.
Additional funds are still needed to offset major repairs. MHRR and Friends For Steam are seeking steam lovers to become a part of history by donating to the restoration fund. The donation will entitle them to a reserved seat on the first rerun, an honorary "President for a Day" cap and a gold commemorative ticket. There will be entertainment provided by the Blue Grass Brakemen, featuring the best in Blue Grass and Comedy, along with free refreshments and photo opportunities.
"About 160 tickets have been sold for the first run. This is good for Middletown; it brings people into our restaurants and other businesses. This is exciting," Farr said.
For more information on the Maiden Run and ticket prices, call Friends For Steam at 944-0619, 418-1488 or 944-7057.



Wrinnbo@aol.com

Can you post some pictures of 91 sometime after tomorow?


steamtrain90@aol.com