Got it. Thanks.

It says "Babbitt lined bearing brass is a major upgrade for 557." What would have lined the bearing brass previously, is babbitt not standard?

The side thrust was taken by Babbit or something similar. The bearings were bronze.

The latest status report is available at http://www.557.alaskarails.org/restore/index.html

New lubrication lines are being installed before the drivers go back under the locomotive and get in the way. 557 has the original two, 8-feed Nathan DV-4 lubricators, with one feeding the eight driver journal bearings and the other feeding the cylinders, valves, and front truck journals.

Today we had a rare cancellation in our four-day-per-week schedule. A snow day. It varied around the area, but I had to clear 13" from my driveway this morning.

I'm pleased to announce that several nice contributions over the past couple of weeks have taken us to the end of the Engine 557 Restoration Company's $50,000 matching challenge grant, putting a total $100,000 in our coffers since the December. If someone missed a chance to contribute, we can't offer matching funds, but we would still appreciate your support at http://www.557.alaskarails.org/support/donate.html.

John Gray photo taken in front of the Anchorage round house.

Congratulations from the other side of the continent, by your brothers and sisters at New England Steam Corporation, in Maine!

The most recent status report has been posted at http://www.557.alaskarails.org/restore/ ... index.html

With the trial fitting of journal boxes underway, it shouldn't be too much longer until 557 is back on her wheels.

A new status report has been posted at http://www.557.alaskarails.org/restore/ ... index.html

Lacking universal joints needed to add additional valves to the turret, a replica Nathan #1 universal joint and 3" diameter valve handle were cast in silicon bronze in the Lilliputian Engine 557 foundry last week.

The May status report is posted at http://www.557.alaskarails.org/restore/ ... index.html

Included this month is information about another S-160 being returned to operation in the Uk and photos of a final operation of U.S. Army 607 at Ft. Eustis in in 1974.

Great update, but Ft Eustis is misspelled each time it's mentioned in that report.

At least he was consistent. Thanks. I'll get it fixed.

We are pleased to announce that the Atwood Foundation of Anchorage, Alaska is providing a grant of $20,000 to partially fund a contract with boilermakers from the lower 48 to oversee the installation of new tubes and flues. The new tubes and flues have been on hand for several years and we are projecting that the work will be done by the end of the year.

Wow. One more winter of work to go?

Given adequate funding.

Another busy month is described in the latest status report at http://www.alaskarails.org/pix/former-l ... index.html. Included is a description of pouring a new Babbitt lining in the front truck bearings.