From the Altoona Mirror:

"The Railroaders Memorial Museum has fired the supervisor of the historic K-4 locomotive restoration project because he refused to speed up work.

Bill Frederickson would not adjust his pace to counter mounting pressure from funding agencies, the museum board and the public, museum Chief Executive Officer Scott Cessna said.

The museum replaced Frederickson with second-in-command Mike Tilger, who officials say can finish the job by summer.

That estimate is about 11 years after the project began. The museum expected the restoration to take three years."

Full article linked in RyPN Flimsies.

Mike Tilger...that name rings a bell from my years volunteering in the First State.

I still won't hold my breath for the 1361...no offense to Mr Tilger.

Didn't they just get another batch of $$$ from the Gov. for the K?

The article is not 100% accurate, even my name is mispelled, remember Mr Kibler writes his articles to sell newspapers and is not an expert on locomotive restoration. I can not comment as an official of the Museum, but I will strive to complete the restoration as quickly and efficiently as possible.

I will try to post progress reports on a monthly basis.

Mike Tillger

One of the nice things about the RYPN board is that the source of most of the stories is right here, on board, to put a pretty quick stop to gross misinformation or to get the story right. I'm not commenting on the substance of the report as much as how nice it is to have a place where we can get the story right, and will continue to, from somebody that obviously knows what is actually going on.

I would respectfully suggest we all give Mr. Tillger our support and not judge his abilities until hes had a fair turn at bat. While it's true that this project has in many respects become the poster child for how not to do a locomotive restoration, it is what it is, and this far down the road seems to me it behooves all of us to help where we can to see it get done!
From my last 2 visits to Scranton (the most recent in Nov.'06) it appeared to me that the work being done was of high quality(albeit painfully slow) and now with a new quarterback running the team let's hope forward progress will improve substantially??
I would suggest that anyone whose geographic location permits it to consider volunteering to help finish the myriad tasks involved in returning her to service, as that will help speed the process.
Also, I hope Mr.Tillger will be able to post updates from time to time as many are interested in this project.
I wish Mr.Tillger the best of success.
Ross Rowland

Once the 1361 is finally finished, then perhaps there will be hope for the B&M 3713. Many people who donated to that project over the years have passed away and never will get to see the locomotive finished and running!

Richard Symmes

Without wasting a lot of time nitpicking the details of the Altoona Mirror article, we have reached a critical point in the life of 1361. I would offer this as an analogy of what has transpired. Upon discussion with Mr. Frederickson about a completion schedule, we were unable to come to an agreement that he was comfortable working under. I commend Bill for sticking to his opinion of what was possible within the time frame I laid out and being unwilling to compromise his belief. Museum management decided that our "starting pitcher" had reached his effective limit and it was time for a "closer". That is where we are. We have enlisted the help of a number of companies and individuals to successfully bring the project to a conclusion. Mike Tillger is our daily leader on the shop floor but is certainly not going to be expected to finish this on his own.

The article did not include any of my comments to the Mirror reporter about the absolutely SPECTACULAR work done under Bill Frederickson's direction. The work he directed/performed is first-rate and I will have no reservations about building a fire in her when that time comes.

The schedule that I requested WILL NOT result in the need to "cut corners" as some have already suggested but will simply require a different time management philosophy including the increased use of contract services.

Wish us well and if you desire to get dirty and help, let us know.

Thanks

I wish Mike the best of luck. Having worked with him on numerous projects over the years, I think someone with Mike's ability will finally complete one of the longest steam locomtive rehabilitation projects in recent memory. His work with the Atlantic Central (CP 2839), Wilmington & Western, New Hope & Ivyland, BVTA/PLT, BM&R/RBM&N, RDI, plus numerous private consulting jobs, has helped Mike gather a tremendous amount of experience and a wealth of knowledge. I'm sure everyone that preceeded Mike had the goal of finishing the project. Perhaps Mike will achieve that goal.

To quote Larry the Cable Guy, "git'r done" Mike.

Rob

My two cents... a lot of the RYPN regulars have enjoyed many miles behind locomotives worked on by Mr. Frederickson or Mr. Tillger. Scott Cessna's post explained the situation, so I see it as no disrespect to Mr. Frederickson for the community to welcome Mr. Tillger to the role of "closer."

It may be seen as another K-4 disruption, but I suggest a closer look this time. The vibe I am getting is positive...

Rob

I will try to post progress reports on a monthly basis.

Mike Tillger[/quote]


that in itself will be a welcome change.
Now is not the time to cut coners, but to continue the good work that has been done already.

Mike is a great guy and knows a lot about a lot. I give him a vote of confidence. Let's hope the old girl gets to run the DL&W a few times before returning to Altoona too.