Steam restoration in Libby, Mont.

JustinFranz · **Joined:** Sun May 31, 2009 9:35 pm **Posts:** 3

Hey group,

Not to distract the forum from discussions of the D&N 38 and if it ran legally or not, but I figured you all may enjoy this image of J. Neils Lumber Co. number 4, a 37-ton shay, being restored to operation in Libby, Mont. It's still early in the effort, but the group is pretty excited about it. http://railpictures.net/photo/402877

I just finished a feature story about the restoration for the paper I work for in nearby Kalispell. I'll post the link when we publish that story this week. Stay tuned!

Justin Franz

Charlie · **Posted:** Mon Jul 09, 2012 6:44 pm

Justin, welcome to this merry little group, although I see you've been lurking for awhile. Glad to see another J. Neils shay being restored. Just make sure the group doesn't fire it up before its 1472 inspection, push it with a diesel until the wheels go flat or rebuild it to go 130 mph (although personally I'd like to see a shay do 130).

The Illinois Railway Museum is slowly working to restore its J. Neils shay to operation. And I heard somewhere that the one in Escanaba is being restored but can't recall if it's a cosmetic restoration or a return to operation. Nice to see these shays being well cared for.

Best of luck with the project and I'll be looking forward to reading your article.

JustinFranz · **Joined:** Sun May 31, 2009 9:35 pm **Posts:** 3

For those curious, here is the story about the restoration of J. Neils Lumber Co. shay No. 4 in Libby, Mont. http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/rusty_wheels_and_big_dreams/28703/

Hope you enjoy!

Justin Franz

G. W. Laepple · **Joined:** Mon Aug 23, 2004 5:10 pm **Posts:** 1182

It's not a "train!" It's a locomotive, or a steam engine, or an engine, but it's not a train! AAARRRGGGHHH!

tomgears · **Posted:** Wed Jul 11, 2012 11:11 am

Thanks for sharing.

AlderGulch12 · **Posted:** Thu Jul 12, 2012 6:23 am

I assisted in the operation of the states "other" steam locomotive in Virgina City. I'm glad to see this project moving ahead with good goals and plans. May need to head north and pay them a visit.

JustinFranz · **Joined:** Sun May 31, 2009 9:35 pm **Posts:** 3

AlderGulch12 wrote:

I assisted in the operation of the states "other" steam locomotive in Virgina City.

That engine isn't up and running right now, correct? I was on the fence about saying the Shay would be the state's "only operating steam engine," but figured I'd play it safe and say standard gauge.

Justin

AlderGulch12 · **Posted:** Fri Jul 13, 2012 2:58 am

Yup, former FCM 2-8-0 #12 is currently stored serviceable in her Nevada City engine barn. Next year is the 150th Anniversary for the cities so who knows what the future may bring. She needs inspection and possible work to bring her up to the NBIC standards as required by the State of Montana. And that work as is currently envisioned by the Montana Heritage Commission is not going to be cheap. I'll not get into it here on the forum but only time will tell. For a full history of the engine, look here. http://www.virginiacitymt.com/aldergulch.asp

hamster · **Posted:** Fri Jul 13, 2012 3:43 pm

AlderGulch12 wrote:

Yup, former FCM 2-8-0 #12 is currently stored serviceable in her Nevada City engine barn. Next year is the 150th Anniversary for the cities so who knows what the future may bring. She needs inspection and possible work to bring her up to the NBIC standards as required by the State of Montana. And that work as is currently envisioned by the Montana Heritage Commission is not going to be cheap. I'll not get into it here on the forum but only time will tell. For a full history of the engine, look here. http://www.virginiacitymt.com/aldergulch.asp

This IS a steam locomotive that will be running on rails connected to the rest of the national system? This is NOT a traction engine and I am pretty certain that the NBIC has no jurisdiction. The FRA CFR49 PART 230 will be the standard required.

AlderGulch12 · **Posted:** Fri Jul 13, 2012 8:09 pm

She's about fifteen miles away from the national system on 30" rails. She's been under state jurisdiction for eleven years and that will not be changing. Those who need to be concerned with her legal status as a pressure vessel are well aware of it and are satisfied. If you have any more questions feel free to PM me. Beyond that I'm glad to see another steam locomotive with a possibility of operation in my state.