Thought folks might be interested in how we are doing on 557's progress. It's been a bit since we add to RYPN post.
Progress.... Lots.

Removal of the firebox is complete and the new sheets and crown are in the process of being manufactured. We have completed almost all of the work to remove the needed components in the boiler shell. Work has been accomplished to correct a defect found in the frame that Dick talked about earlier. The pump/compressor has been rebuilt and the reverser is being reassembled. Listening to the pump is music to the ears, and almost brings tears. Yea, sort of pathetic, but with all the blood ( yea, there was.) sweat and effort put in by the greatest bunch of volunteers in the state, she is very close to us. Many of the parts that have seen repair work and are ready to stand by for the reassembly are now sand blasted, sealed, and will be painted as needed for the reassembly work. The drivers are TVM getting turned and will soon be on their way home. Added are some in work photos to give a sense of where we are at.

Will the 557 be reverted to to burn coal as it did when it was used by the U.S. Army, or will it continue to burn oil?

/Andrew

I think it will stay as a oil burner because of the oil fields in northern Alaska and oil is big business for the Alaska railroad. 557 could go back running on coal if there's coal fields in the state. either way it doesn't matter what she burns as long 557 is operating.

We are restoring her as an oil burner.

part 1 Saturdays update-

Just sharing another up date from the rainy land of the midnight sun.

Work steadily continues on 557 as we finish up the final processes in deconstructing her, getting ready to begin reassembly. There was nothing but rain in the forecast for this last weekend, but we have a schedule we are striving to complete, so we find way.

I've added a few pictures from Saturdays work after finishing the day. Was pretty exhausted from 9 hours of sandblasting the interior of the boiler, but you'll see we have pulled 557 out into the lead track to the shop. We prepped her before to continue working while the rain came down. The work sand blasting the interior boiler barrels for final inspection and repair where needed, and had to be accomplished. From all indications, the interior boiler looks good. Ultra sounding on the barrel has been very positive. The boiler interior barrel, the dry pipe, the anchors, the fire box are all getting completely cleaned and will get their final inspection soon. It took all day, and we managed to out last the weather. Or at least the crew did!

While the boiler/frame was out side the shop, we also moved the the tender out where we could remove the tank in preparations for it's complete stripping and rebuild.

It's hard to believe that 18 months ago we started with a loco shell and an empty warehouse. Now we almost look like and engine house.

Part 2 Saturdays update.

Part 3 of Saturdays update.

The progress is amazing! Keep it up!

Thanks for posting all the photos on RYPN. I have been watching "John's Alaska Railroad Web Page" for updates, but have not seen anything new there since April 10. Will you be updating the Restoration web page at http://www.alaskarails.org/pix/former-l ... index.html?

Can't say when John will have more updates, but he will. I know he is enjoying some time "in" Alaska right now and I imagine when he gets back home he will have lots of updates. He was at the board meeting so John is fully in the loop.

We provide John with a lot of the updates, and honestly, we have been working pretty hard, not taking as many photo's and sending them out, but getting things done on 557. Please forgive us. We are a long ways ahead of schedule, making ever dollar count, and want to see her running soon.

I know Jeff and Dick read this allot, so you may see more updates from them more often. I have a 6 hour drive when I go work on her.

I can say that I have seen pictures of the new rear firebox door sheet and it looks good! If i can share the pic, I will. The compressor sounds awesome, and the drivers are almost finished.

Art

Here is a link to the 557 Progress Report for May 2014 which didn't get posted until a few days ago. John was up here getting his periodic fix of Alaska and the Alaska Railroad. The photos make it obvious why the firebox was due for replacement.

http://alaskarails.org/pix/former-loco/ ... index.html

Dick Morris

The Alaska Railroad held a small reception for John on Friday June 20th here in Anchorage. I didn't get to go as I was right in the middle of my shift in the yard that day. But someone posted a photo of the cake they served to one of our AKRR employee groups. I hope John got to see everything he came to see on this trip and I hope he had a nice reception.

Received word from Robert's Steam Services of America that our drivers and fire box sheets are complete and ready to head back to Alaska. With Roberts permission I am sharing his photo's. Here are a few of the firebox sheets and the drivers... Making progress.

Some more...

And drivers....