Maine Central 470 and New England Steam Corp!

Richard Glueck · **Posted:** Wed Nov 16, 2022 6:04 pm

Restoration of Maine Central 470 continues to move forward in 2022. Fewer volunteers were able to make the drive to the Hancock shops this year for all the reasons that have affected every group. Despite those issues, significant progress was made on all fronts, including boiler, cab, and tender.
New England Steam can use support with volunteers and funding. If you are ready to pitch in with this restoration, please visit http://www.newenglandsteam.org . Help bring the largest steam locomotive remaining in New England back to regular running.

QJdriver · **Posted:** Wed Nov 16, 2022 6:54 pm

Thanks for this update, Dick. It does my heart good to see the excellent progress you're making, and I just want you to know that I'm pulling for you even though I live too far away to be much use for the massive amount of grunt work that lies ahead.

VIVA MEC #470 !!!

Richard Glueck · **Posted:** Thu Nov 17, 2022 10:52 am

Sammy, the point is, you don't just talk a good game, you live and breathe it.
"Viva" all railfans and preservationists who get behind the work at hand. It
isn't easy, but the results of true involvement always show. Thanks for your positive
note!

softwerkslex · **Posted:** Sun Nov 20, 2022 2:14 pm

How do you get tubes in and out past that water heater?

Bob D. · **Posted:** Sun Nov 20, 2022 3:17 pm

You don't….. have to be pulled back and passed thru a clear hole. The feedwater heater is an obstruction for a few chores. It has been badly damaged from freezing when water entered during the many years on display. New England Steam will be removing the feedwater heater from the smokebox in the near future. There are currently plans not to use it or the turbo pump.

EJ Berry · **Posted:** Sun Nov 20, 2022 10:23 pm

If that's a Coffin FWH, remember the company is still in business and overhauled the FWH for B&M 3713. It wasn't free but they saved $$$ by doing it on a "time available" basis.

https://coffinpump.com/

Phil Mulligan

Richard Glueck · **Posted:** Mon Nov 21, 2022 10:47 am

The line where the locomotive will chiefly operate is short enough that the feedwater heater will not be essential. It should be pointed out, the feedwater was added in the 1940's as part of a comparative test. A Worthington was placed on 469 and data was taken as a preparation for the next generation of MEC steam locomotives. Sadly the E7A was introduced in 1947, and the data became moot.
When restored to service, the 470 will likely be configured as it was during its prime express service years of 1924 - 1942.