For those of you who are interested, Steve Agostini is photgraphing and posting the restoration process of the second E-8 (5711) at the PRRTHS Phila Chapter site

With the demise of the cold weather work has started, directed by my son Eric B. Levin. The nose suffered collision damage during the PRR ownership and will require more extensive metal work. The rust on the nose area is also more extensive than that found on the 5809.

Steve has agreed to post on a continuous basis, and we hope everyone who is interested will enjoy the photos.

Bennett

http://www.prrths.com/Phila_PRR5711_Restoration_Menu.htm
v-scarpitti@worldnet.att.net

Strictly tongue in cheek - Where were these guys when the M1's, K4's, and I1's were lined up for scrapping?

Did anyone ever try to save a PRR steamer privately?

glueck@saturn.caps.maine.edu

Do the math!

In 1957 when steam ran its last on the PRR I was 18 years old and a freshman at Penn State. Three years later at age 21 I discovered the bone yard at Northumberland and often thought that something should have been saved to run. At least 1361 is being worked on, but sadly if it had not been for government money even that effort would have long ago fell on hard times! Why can they do it in Britian and here we have such a hard time.

Yet, on the other hand look at all of the successes across this great country of people who are willing to put up some money, but more important the people who are willing put up the enormous value of "sweat equity". We are indeed fortunate that so much has been saved, preserved and restored. Not only money has been invested,but also enormous amouts of time, effort and interest!

The big challange now is to raise endowment money to insure the continued operation and preservation of what has been saved for generations to come!

Even at this late date, conserving and preserving what has been saved and what can been saved is of paramount importance.

Consider the enlightened attitude of the North Carolina State Museum in transfering the BLW switcher to Hagerstown. It is a prime example that our movement has really matured and come of age. They are to be commended! We need more of that attitude and action.

Everyone has a role to play. I do not regret that I was not around to save an I-1, T-1, J-1 etc. If I had, I most likely, by this time. would have passed through this life and not have seen all the recent accomplishments and those that might be in the near future!

These are the best of times for what we do!

I hope we all enjoy them!



v-scarpitti@worldnet.att.net

Bennett maybe you could tell us what your shop does to earn it's keep. I know you folks don't keep that facility just to fix up vintage trains? Or maybe you do? I assume you are in the car repair or shortline/switching business.

Thanks,

Tom Gears

Steam Railroading Message Board