She has had a fire in her belly!

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.p ... 217&nseq=0

Indeed it is an excellent job. Will be nice to see it in service. I really do like the looks of the SJ's, all around. Even the 142 is a classy looking engine as is.

In regard to what you said, they placed it back on its own wheel set in September, the boiler never left its frame that I can see. They rebuilt the running gear and cleaned it up after 20 years of use on the K&K.

Is this one that has the throttle and brake stand moved to the right side as nature intended?

Yes, she's right-hand drive, note the throttle rod running to the steam dome:

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKHx1KvnYqc/T ... 00/360.JPG

Both of the SY's brought over are right hand drive. Everything else is left hand drive, I believe.

Color me impressed! For years people have been pointing out the various US prototypes someone could make a Chinese engine into. Does she have US controls now or is the engineer still to the left of the cab? How much has changed inside that graceful cab?

Thank you Junior for the correction! Had to think about it and realized I confused putting the wheels back under her with putting boiler back on frame. In my twisted mind the two very different operations became confused. Sure would like to see her in person and to think I am older than she is? Cheers, John.

Phenomenal, congrats to all! (fantastic looking cab too!!)

Stephen

If I remember correctly (but Im probably not...) she only went into the shops about a year ago, right? Either way, phenominal job by the Valley RR Shops crew to get her running again. Even MORE reason to visit CT now!!

Greetings:
A couple of quick comments.
The project really began in 2007 when I convinced our Board that we needed another steam locomotive if we were to maintain consistance steam powered service after our No. 97 came due for it's next 1472 Service Day Inspection after December 2010. No. 97 will require a good bit more than the minimum work as per 49CFR, Part 230.
After a number of disappointments (and with time running out) we purchased what was to become No.3025 at the Knox & Kane auction in October 2008. Prior to the auction we inspected the locomotive and developed a plan for it's rebuilding with a timeline for a manpower requirements and cash flow projection for completion in July 2011.
The plan was for our core group of shop workers: Wayne Hebert, Bill Wolf, Paul Horgan, Scott Dimartino, Mike Camera, Kjell Benner and myself to do the work.
We began by dismantling the locomotive at Kane to enable trucking it Essex. After it arrived in early 2009 it sat until July (had to finish repairs to No.40, car work and other requirements for operations). By early 2010 we were way behind schedule so we brought in machinist Dave Wantz, as a contractor, to help out.
Our support group, The Friends of the Valley Railroad, wanted to become involved, so we began conducting periodic Saturday work sessions to augment their usual Wednesday night activities. Among other things, members of The Friends designed and built the "New Haven" style cab.
By summer, the wheels were back from turning and most of the parts that we had sent out and/or ordered were on hand. The tubes and flues were "safe ended" and installed and the boiler work mostly completed. One driving wheel tire was replaced.
Brake and spring rigging, driving boxes, cross head guides, shoes & wedges, appurtenances (air compressor, lubricators, etc.) were all complete by years end. A load of SY parts arrived from China (some needed for the rebuild, some for stock). Turret, cab valves and other boiler fittings were either rebuilt or renewed. Work on the tender was finished (including "squaring" the end of the cistern).
In January of 2011 we hydro tested the boiler for the FRA and in April steam tested it. By late spring, the lead and trailing trucks had been rebuilt and the tramming of the frame finished. The boiler was insulated and jacketed, domes installed and a myriad of small tasks accomplished. Re-babbitted rod bearings were pressed into the rods. During the summer we installed the springs and rigging, wheeled the engine, installed the cab and connected the engine to the tender. Our fall has been occupied with a lot of piping work, testing lubricators, setting the valves, air brake work and general re-assembly. The entire electrical system has been replaced.
November 15, 2011; we began test firing and working off leaks and finishing up details. With luck, we will test run it yet this week.
Although we are behind schedule, it would appear that the project will come in under budget at about $530K. That figure includes the cost of the locomotive and parts, moving and unloading and about 97% of the labor. Less than half of the project has been funded with borrowed money.
J.David

Thank you J.David for your personal update and quick but informing rebuild history. Realize that a park engine sitting for 50 years that had almost all of it's usefulness ran out of it before retirement would of been much more work, was surprised at how much work had to be done on such a young gal. For the right operation have always thought the SY might of been the right answer because of the late production and available spare parts. Love our US locomotives and seldom drawn to anything Chinese or other countries designs, but the SY and the QJ's look acceptable to me as is. With minimal make up changes you have a very impressive locomotive. Hope she gives years of good service. Best wishes to you and your operations.

Cheers, John.

Nothing short of a miracle. Shows what can happen when dedicated people work towards a single goal. Magnificent!
I want to see that tender, with "New Haven" lettered on the sides!

Will any trains run on Wednesday the 23rd? I will be in town that day.

You mean like this?
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKHx1KvnYqc/TsF7C2qmIxI/AAAAAAAAAIw/hMeyUcqx2Ww/s1600/360.JPG

Let me be the first to say...WOW!! Great job guys!

Ryan