Now that the preservation debate is up and running on the other post let’s see where the rubber hits the road.

Well, what have I been up to, let’s start with the sexy stuff, Lehigh Valley SW1 112. (for RJD, I got it)

After a slow start, things are starting to pick up. The loco is still in Tennessee, I was there in November. Boarded up some windows, cleaned out the cab, took of the horn off and did some mechanical assessments. The trucks are of very early vintage EMD switcher trucks with GE 237 traction motors and some bad wheel sets. While the traction motors megged OK, the decision was made to locate and rebuild a different set of EMD style traction motor trucks, which I just took the first truck apart last Friday, now that the crappy winter is starting ease up.

Once I have both trucks rebuilt and converted to roller bearings, I will ship them south for swap out, do the rest of the interchange work and send it to NJ. Realistically, I am hoping for mid-summer home-coming via NS (former LV Three Bridges).

PRR X31a boxcar 497310 (nee 80599)

Lots of time went into that car last year and not until December did look like anything was being done. All the bad metal and rust has been removed. The wood floor boards were removed and the floor braces repaired. I had all the replacement steel sheared and bent. The roof was fully repaired on one side and with 11 panels per side at 10-12 hours of cutting, fitting, and welding per panel, you do the math. Work will continue this season in hopes of installing the rest of the roof panels and side sheets, which by the way will take over 1200 rivets and bolts!

PRR G29d gondola 349138

The car is still in Marienville, another casualty of winter, what ever happened to global warming. The upper deck has been removed and the car will be transported to NJ in the next couple of weeks. The stencils have been made and the steel side braces that give this car its unique character have been ordered. Once the car arrives, I’ll measure for the floor lumber and start the restoration right away. The car should be ready for our photo freight On June 19th, and then will go into regular service as an open car minus the second level rekindling its former role at the Knox & Kane.

I have posted more detailed info and photos on my website. While all the web pages are not complete, I’ve added photos to give you an idea of what to expect.

Over the past few years I have gotten to know a lot of the regular posters here on RYPN, shared a pint or two, visited there beautiful shops, and rode around the curve in there private cars. What I have learned from them and this board, none of my restoration projects would have ever been realized, for that I am eternally grateful.

RYPN, let’s preserves it!

Scott Kwiatkowski
http://www.prrllc.com

What is your business model? How do you pay for the restorations and what happens to the equipment after they have been restored?

Thanks for the updates Scott..
Im looking forward to seeing LV 112 on her new home! :)

Scot

How come you didn't look into the Octoraro #55 ?...that was/is a former PRR SW1...since you were talking about looking for a PRR unit.

...that is if they haven't scrapped it yet....