K&T steam engine #14 status

CarNutandTrainNut · **Joined:** Wed Jun 30, 2010 6:01 pm **Posts:** 43

Are they still working on her?

jd johnson · **Joined:** Mon Aug 23, 2004 10:50 am **Posts:** 399

My sources tell me that the folks in Stearns are still waiting on grant money to arrive.

Hopefully this will happen soon so they can finish up the engine. She will be in like new condition when finished.

JD Johnson, Morehead and North Fork Railroad Historian

Mark Jordan · **Joined:** Fri Nov 07, 2008 11:21 am **Posts:** 490

This has been discussed in previous threads. It is important to understand that the BSFSRY does not employ anyone that is "steam qualified" now, and relies 100% on a contractor to finish this restoration.

Funds were depleted in 2004 with some in house funding again depleted in 2006. The current grant of $600,000 may or may not be enough to complete the project based on prior spending rates, and this grant has been "in the works" for a few years but is apparently now available for use. It is my understanding that over $1 million has already been spent on this project, and the boiler is still awaiting firebox replacement and reinstallation on the frame.

I don't know what, if any, plan is for operating personnel whenever, if ever, this restoration is complete.

Yes, the locomotive will be "like new" when finished.