FEC #148 Rebuilding

J3a-614 · **Posted:** Tue Feb 04, 2020 12:01 pm

Mark Locke wrote:

Or it may be that they're keeping things quiet because their annual big event, the Clewiston Sugar Festival, is coming up on March 21 and they're makong a final push to get the engine done in time for it.

Seeing how steam engines can throw surprises at you in restoration, and seeing how a number of engines have put eggs on the faces of owners who announced service dates, it's a good idea.

If she's ready, it would be a pleasant surprise; if she's not, there would be no embarrassment.

John Risley · **Joined:** Tue Aug 24, 2004 10:34 pm **Posts:** 966

Missed that last update in November as I didn't realize they were this far a long. They have come very far with this locomotive. Depending on their crew staying on this job it shouldn't be long. If the crew gets pulled for other duty well that is how
it goes.

They may have stopped work for holidays or just decided that the next update will be when they are ready to do so? I am impressed by what I know about this rebuild. Of course I know actually very little of the nuts and bolts going on, but I think this locomotive is a lucky survivor who I would not of bet money on. I love being wrong about that kind of stuff. Regards, John.

Mark Locke · **Joined:** Sat Mar 22, 2014 8:41 pm **Posts:** 53

There is a new post on the Engine 148Facebook page ! https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_ ... 8204983800

Mark Locke · **Joined:** Sat Mar 22, 2014 8:41 pm **Posts:** 53

Another new post. https://www.facebook.com/68520820498380 ... 704576442/

Mark Locke · **Joined:** Sat Mar 22, 2014 8:41 pm **Posts:** 53

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_ ... 8204983800

Rob Gardner · **Joined:** Sat Aug 21, 2004 10:50 pm **Posts:** 576

The locomotive everyone said would never see steam again!

Rob Gardner

suprememeowmix · **Posted:** Thu Feb 13, 2020 9:59 am

Mark Locke wrote:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1479275298910416&id=685208204983800

I hate to be that guy, but what’s the post? Not on Facebook and it won’t let me on

J3a-614 · **Posted:** Thu Feb 13, 2020 4:33 pm

suprememeowmix wrote:

I hate to be that guy, but what’s the post? Not on Facebook and it won’t let me on

Strange, that's a public site, you should be able to see it

Anyway, here are the last several posts, not necessarily in correct order.

Captions as provided from the Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/EngineNo148/ph ... =3&theater

The air pump is installed with all of the steam connections plumbed into place. Finally, the steam piping is taking shape!

https://www.facebook.com/EngineNo148/ph ... =3&theater

Pipefitting on a steam locomotive requires patience, heat, and strength! Check out one of FMW's mechanics in action.

https://www.facebook.com/EngineNo148/ph ... =3&theater

An FMW Team member is connecting copper distribution lines to a newly-fabricated steam manifold.

https://www.facebook.com/EngineNo148/ph ... =3&theater

With her cab re-installed, No. 148 is beginning to resemble her old self! Note the newly-added "cross-compound" air pump and oil heater. All of the air, steam, water, and oil piping for No. 148 is being fabricated from scratch.

https://www.facebook.com/EngineNo148/ph ... =3&theater

Progress continues! Here you can see all-new running boards and cab support brackets, installation of the firing pan, and the manufacture of a custom fabricated water column and water sight glass piping, among other ongoing projects.

https://www.facebook.com/EngineNo148/ph ... =3&theater

One of FMW's steam experts is lining up the new petticoat. #EngineNo148

https://www.facebook.com/EngineNo148/ph ... =3&theater

Final adjustments are being made to the new petticoat. #EngineNo148

Richard Glueck · **Posted:** Fri Feb 14, 2020 9:13 am

"Reports of my death are greatly exaggerated". - Mark Twain

J3a-614 · **Posted:** Mon Feb 17, 2020 11:03 am

Newest post, Feb. 14, 2020:

Quote:

This overview shot shows the front end of No. 148 coming together. All that remains to be installed in the smokebox is the new blast nozzle and blower arrangement.

https://www.facebook.com/EngineNo148/ph ... =3&theater

J3a-614 · **Posted:** Mon Feb 17, 2020 11:05 am

J3a-614 wrote:

Newest post, Feb. 14, 2020:

Quote:

This overview shot shows the front end of No. 148 coming together. All that remains to be installed in the smokebox is the new blast nozzle and blower arrangement.

https://www.facebook.com/EngineNo148/ph ... =3&theater

J3a-614 · **Posted:** Mon Feb 17, 2020 11:06 am

Seeing at all that shiny new metal in there, one can almost imagine we are really looking at a new engine instead of a rebuilding.

Kelly Anderson · **Joined:** Tue Sep 14, 2004 7:52 am **Posts:** 2477

WalterS · **Joined:** Fri Jul 06, 2007 12:19 am **Posts:** 116

A video was posted on Facebook earlier today of 148 under steam with the whistle blowing. It was quickly taken down. Great to see and hopefully it will be re-posted soon!

QJdriver · **Posted:** Tue Feb 18, 2020 7:55 pm

Thanks for continuing with non-Mark Suckerberg updates for us !!!! I can't wait to see her hauling cane !!!