Any news on FEC 253?

Finderskeepers · **Posted:** Thu Sep 04, 2008 1:41 pm

Just curious if anyone had heard from the Florida East Coast 253 restoration group lately? Last I heard they had to pack up and move their stuff out of Hialeah yard.

SteamEnthusiast4000 · **Posted:** Tue Mar 04, 2014 12:17 am

It's been a long time since I've heard any news regarding Florida East Coast (FEC) 0-8-0 #253. Has anyone heard anything, or seen anything, about #253 anytime recently?

All I have been able to gather is that, based off pictures, she was looking in pretty good shape. It just seems that, lately, #253 has dropped off the face of the Earth. I can't find a website to the museum #253 is supposed to be at anywhere, and the website http://pages.prodigy.net/fec253/ doesn't work.

If anyone has some news they can report on this ol' girl, would you please be so kind as to shed some new light on things?

robertjohndavis · **Joined:** Mon Aug 23, 2004 8:10 am **Posts:** 2499

Most recent story I could find is from last year:

https://www.tcpalm.com/news/2013/feb/01 ... -saturday/

Alan Maples · **Posted:** Tue Mar 04, 2014 9:43 am

I was in Fort Pierce, FL, about a month ago. A sign for the museum indicated they were open on Saturdays, but unfortunately my schedule didn't match up.

Off topic, but if you are staying in Fort Pierce and have an interest in historic preservation, I recommend a visit to the Sunrise Theatre, built in 1923 and restored in 2006. An impressive performing arts showcase.

Alan Maples

David Notarius · **Posted:** Tue Mar 04, 2014 5:40 pm

While we are on the subject of the FEC, anyone have any news about the FEC 148?
Thanks - Dave

JohnHillier · **Posted:** Wed Mar 05, 2014 9:12 pm

I don't have any info but I am also interested in what the recent history has been with the 253 and 148.

Kirk Warner · **Posted:** Mon Mar 10, 2014 1:36 pm

To answer the question as to the status of the 253, I went up to Fort Pierce on March 8th. I found only three volunteers at the museum and little progress has been made on the engine since I last saw it a couple of years ago. The bottom of the firebox has been removed. I saw no indication that ultrasonic testing had been completed on the boiler. They have removed the tubes and a section of the boiler/firebox has been cut out. An insert has been prepared and bolted into place. They are stuck waiting for a certified welder to weld in the insert. Here is a photo of the status of their work.

Any news on FEC 253?

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