Hello,

To start, for some on this forum who may be wringing their hands on the FWRHS tackling this project, they are the entity that brought you this……..

https://youtu.be/hs6j_ZEde4o?si=AyfUUwWySP3u2FNM

The 3001 is in capable hands.

>>>>

Per the comment of Overmod



Note a side elevation photo of the 3001, the crosshead design is strikingly similar to the one on N&W 611, possibly a Timken design, maybe the wrist pin on 3001 is already supported by Timken roller bearings?

Using Wiki as a resource, the L3’s had cross balanced main drivers and lightweight running gear. It notes 80 mph capability on the L3s vs prior classes limited to 60 MPH. Looks like it is already an advanced design. I’ll be one to vigorously welcome another roller rod locomotive in the US….it doesn’t look necessary here. (Apparently the L3s had a wheelbase to accommodate 72” drivers but had 69” & a few L4s did have roller rods http://madisonrails.railfan.net/1950/nyc3144_a.jpg).
Cheers

Randy

While I love it hearing any news on steam locomotive restorations, the 3001 getting restored has honestly been one of the more exciting ones in more recent times.

Crosshead bearing is one that should NOT be a rolling-element bearing, for the same reasons caged rolling-element bearings are undesirable in the pin joints of Gresley conjugated valve gear.

That's a reciprocating motion, rather than circular motion, over a constrained and very consistant arc. Unlike the roller bearings in the rod eyes, it is subjected to substantial (but variable) reversing thrust. These are not good things for working clearances in the 2-thou region.

I was excited as a kid to read (in the Encyclopedia of World Railway Locomotives, iirc) that the Chinese were conducting pressure-oiling experiments (on the same rationale as pressure-oiling in automobile motors) in the 1950s. This involved a combination of gun-drilling of axles and pins, and pressure hoses along the rods... presumably including the main. That would permit a full clean oil supply to the crosshead bearing, incidentally eliminating any concern of heat soak from the piston rod, assuring full hydrodynamic conditions even with substantial practical bearing clearance. One notes, somewhat ruefully, that the idea went nowhere in advanced steam practice, and I'd suspect that you'd find a floating bronze bushing drilled with grease 'reservoirs' a la Union Pacific practice to be a good enough solution in practice.

I'll be looking very carefully to see a documentation of how 3001's rods and bearings have been made.

In the 21st Century the Chinese ended up with plain old wet cellars full of their version of Journaltex for everything that didn't use valve oil. Their version of Nathan mechanical lubricators took care of the air pumps and cylinders.

Since October 9th, the campaign to restore New York Central steam locomotive No. 3001 has raised $133,775 toward the first goal of $500,000. The project has $1,000 in recurring monthly donations and over 300 supporters have pledged donations of over $50,000. Some recent checks have ranged between $3001 and $10,000, and the campaign has 186 days left to meet its first deadline.

For information, FAQs, or to contribute: https://www.americanloco.org/

So exciting! I’ll be sending some money soon at some point.

Just found this on Youtube, a NYC film from the early 1950's. It expounds on the value and high efficiency of the Hudson type locomotives. Obviously not everyone in the office got the message regarding the value of Hudsons! Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QRgfJ0dzhs

NYC 3001 March News:

– Kick-off fundraiser passes halfway point
– Mechanical work has begun with air compressor swap
– $20,000 matching grant announced through April 30th 

ELKHART, IND. – The American Locomotive Project, a campaign to revive a distinctive 1940s steam-powered time machine from the New York Central Railroad, reached 56% of its $500,000 kick-off goal, shortly after the engine’s custodians held their first official work session.

To date, the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society has raised over $284,643, and a new $20,000 donor match has been announced for all contributions made between now and April 30, 2025. Donations can be made online at americanloco.org or by mail.

On Saturday, February 8, a small team of volunteers removed the locomotive’s original slide-valve, steam-driven air compressor – which had previously sustained freeze damage – in exchange for a newer model.

The swap was facilitated by FMW Solutions and arranged by the Abbeville Foundation, owners of Florida East Coast steam locomotive No. 253, which is undergoing a cosmetic restoration for a community exhibition in Abbeville, Alabama. The trade will provide locomotive No. 3001 with a more modern, recently refurbished air compressor, reducing restoration costs. More comprehensive mechanical prep work for 3001 is scheduled for September, during a planned break in Fort Wayne’s excursion season.

“Since October of last year, we’ve had over 500 donors contribute to push us past the 50% mark, with some gifts ranging between $20,000 and $50,000,” shared Kelly Lynch, Executive Director of the Fort Wayne Railroad. “Our objective is to raise $500,000 by May, as it marks the 68th anniversary of the end of steam on the New York Central Railroad. This funding will support preparation, transportation, and initial restoration work. It will also demonstrate that this locomotive’s grassroots transformation into a cultural attraction has the required support to make it a reality in the 21st century—which we firmly believe it does.”

Since 1972, the Fort Wayne Railroad has worked to restore and transform historic railroad equipment into operating cultural attractions, most notably Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive No. 765. For over 40 years, its dedicated volunteers have exhibited vintage rail attractions throughout the Midwest and Eastern United States.

In association with the Indiana Northeastern Railroad, the organization created the Indiana Rail Experience in 2022 and now routinely operates tourist trains between Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. With growing attendance numbers and an economic impact of over $3 million, the 100-mile-long route was named Indiana’s Best New Experience in 2023. Much of the current route for the Indiana Rail Experience includes former New York Central Railroad trackage and features restored passenger cars and railroad stations from the original railroad, creating a genuine, immersive recreation of an inspirational era in American industry.

Full press release here: https://www.americanloco.org/2025/03/nyc-3001-fundraiser-milestone/