This is an update on what is happening on the Wilmington and Western Railroad, which was heavily damaged by flash flooding on September 15.

Volunteer and paid staff are working on the track. The washout at Greenbank Mill has been repaired. Debris has been removed from the bridges at Greenbank and Brandywine Springs. Efforts are being made to return the line to service as far as the damaged Hercules Bridge.

Damage to the line is being assessed by staff and representatives of state and federal emergency management agencies. Among our top priorities will be to clean up debris along the line and remove debris dams in the creek.

Estimates are being developed on the cost of replacing the bridges that were destroyed. The Board of Directors of Historic Red Clay Valley, Inc. have been meeting to begin fundraising and grant application processes.

In the meantime, work continues to move forward on restoring locomotive #98, our classic 4-4-0. The locomotive is being repaired in the railroad's back shop, which was not affected by the flood. Most of the boiler work has been completed.

For further information and to view some photographs of the flood and damage, go to our website www.wwrr.com.

As always, new members are welcomed. If you believe in historic railroad preservation, now is an excellent time to join HRCV, Inc. and support the restoration of our heritage.

Wilmington and Western
rbailey@supernet.com

The boiler repairs to the 98 are complete and the boiler is once again back on the frame. A final hydro will be done tomorrow,and then we go home!
To view a few photos of the boiler project visit our website at www.historicmachineryservices.com

http://www.historicmachineryservices.com
histmachry@aol.com