For all you foamers in internet land wondering about our progress, the locomotives brakes are working and we are just waiting for some trackage right technicalities and we will move the locomotive. So while we are waiting we have removed the super heater units. As well as removed most of the 2 1/4" tubes. Ultrasounding work has begun and our cheif mechanical officer and Vice President of the corporation, Luke Johnson, along with myself are confident for locomotive operation to begin in December. Thanks to Father Doyle's and the boys with the 700 for the brake shoes!

Brian Fleming, President
Cascade Locomotive and Machine Works, Inc.

You still going to try to restore a steam locomotive for less than an $100,000????

-Switchman

Yes we are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Luke Johnson

This is interesting! I've seen numerous steam locomotives on display in the southwest, that appear to be in elegant shape due to climate and certain perservation security factors. I know nothing about boilers, so I won't pretend to be the authority, but a locomtive like the Santa Fe 3751 in Kingman, Arizona, appears to be (key word "appears") to be in near perfect condition after sitting outdoors for 50 years. I'd like to hear more about this particular loco and it's preservation status.

Thanks for the update Brian and Luke. I don't know much on the history of this locomotive either, but I'm assuming its material condition must be pretty good, was it displayed under cover?When do you think the move will take place, it's going to Longview, correct?
Twenty Questions....DST.

The locomotive has been outside in our northwest climate since 1957 but beleive it or not it is in very good mechanical condition. The worst part of the locomotive is the backheads flexible stay bolt caps and sleaves, a 100 + of these will be replaced along with the bolts. And for the record that $100,000.00 is what we figure we will spend in materials. We are keeping track of the hours going into the job so we will be able to give a real $$$ amount of what this job would cost if a organization was to employ our firm on a similar job.

Brian Fleming, President
Cascade Locomotive and Machine Works, Inc.

Brian,

We appreciate your updates. Speculation is avoided when we get it straight from the horse's mouth, or in this case, the iron horse's voice!

Best of luck!