Hey...does anyone know how much further along the K & T #14 is? I like to surf the steam restoration sites from time to time...and noticed there hasn't been an update in almost 4 years. The restoration seemed to have a lot of momentum up till 2006...tons of pictures of everyone looking motivated. Any closer guys?

This one has been hotly debated in the past, including a thread being pulled. I will post here, and then stay quiet.

The Facts:
1) The Railroad ran off their experienced steam talent fall 2004. No railroad personnel are working on the project, nor does the railroad have any qualified project manager "in house". All project management is done via the contractor.
2) The contractor has consumed all the available funding, including additional emergency private funding. The price tag is over $1 million as it (the locomotive) is currently shown in the photos on the Railroad's web site.
3) The Railroad is currently awaiting a grant reward of $600,000 to complete the project. This funding is awarded, but I don't know if it has actually been available yet. I also don't know if this amount will complete the project or not. When this funding was announced last year, the railroad stated that the locomotive would be operating in the 2011 season. I also don't know if any work is being done towards this goal, but my sources at the railroad have not made any mention of work in progress.
4) As far as I know, the loco is still very much like is seen on the railroad's web site.

Sincerely,
Mark Jordan

ex- General Manager, BSFSRY
ex- Project Director - K&T #14

Of Note:

IC382 is a new member/poster. I would hope that IC382 is not intending to start a "flame war".

Moderators take note........

Thanks,
Mark

I do not know what a "flame war" is. I appreciate the information though.

I just enjoy riding trains pulled by steam engines. I am always curious as to what is running where and when. I have been involved with several railroads and railroad museums as my career has sent me all over the place...so I always am chasing the ride.

Thanks.

I'm half expecting Mr. IC382 to next tell us that he's heard the 14 is to burn "fry oil" from the local Stearns, Kentucky McDonald's.