Wasatch RR Contractors page on this 4-6-2, long a resident of Eisenhower Park in Abeline, Kansas, which is undergoing restoration to active service. I never knew the project was this far along.

http://projects.wasatch-rr-contractors.com/?page_id=52

Thanks for posting this Bob. As a point of additional information, here is a progress report from WRC.

This spring one of our restoration teams will be leaving Cheyenne for a two week stint on the locomotive. We have already fit and installed the new side sheets. In May, we will install the mud ring rivets and finish the door sheet patch that we began last fall. In addition, we will be installing about 4 new flexible stay bolts to satisfy the new Form 4 requirements. These new flexible bolts will be installed in the combustion chamber of the fire box.

This past winter the volunteer group has been working hard on the installation of new flexible stay bolt caps and some new sleeves and bolts. Once all of their work is finished and once we complete our portion of the work, the group will then begin work on the tubes and flues. Once this is done, hopefully by fall, the locomotive will get a Hydro test and maybe a steam test.

The tender has had a new bottom installed and I think they have water tested the tender. It should be getting new paint here this spring.

As a side note, this is a very nice locomotive. Once it is finished it will be a unique machine. If you review the photos we have posted, you may note that the firebox has wishbone circulator tubes. Not many locomotives ever had these. The Santa Fe collection at the California State RR Museum has two locomotives with this type of circulators. However, if WRC information is correct, this would be the only locomotive in operation with this type of circulators.

If any of you are in the Abilene, KS. area and want to volunteer, give us a call or send us an e-mail. The group is looking for more willing hands!

Contact me through our web page at Wasatch-rr-contractors.com or e-mail me at jrimmasch@wasatch-rr-contractors.com

John E. Rimmasch
Wasatch Railroad Contractors

Just wondering if anyone has an update on the restoration status of 3415. According to the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, in November of '07 the boiler was successfully hydro'd and the cab's woodwork was almost completed. WRC was optimistic of a summer of 2008 inaugural season.

As far as I could tell, the above posts were the most recent posts on this board with regard to 3415's status.

Thanks!

--Jim

Thanks for the question.

3415 is moving along very well. The FRA hydro inspection is complete! All of the boiler work we did (WRC) is now finished. The cab is on the boiler, most of the piping has been re-fit and the jacet is being installed. I have had discussions with the group with the idea and understanding that it may steam even this summer.......keeping our fingers crossed!

Learn more at:

www.wasatch-rr-contractors.com

Go to the projects page and look up 3415

John E. Rimmasch
Wasatch Railroad Contractors