**LONG ISLAND PRESERVATION NEWS**

Since the last post I read was dated in 2022, here’s an OBRM update for 2023 that’s been featured on our Facebook page.
We now have the ability for operations within museum grounds. Track 3 has been installed.
Our master fabricator John P got our GR 25 tonner #26 (Theodore Roosevelt) operable last year and with the addition of track 3, we were able to empty the turntable of all of #35’s wheels.
You can view the videos of #26 moving under its own power onto the turntable for a brief spin.
2 milestones were achieved that day.
1-first time in about 20 years that #26 moved a significant distance under its own power
2-first time in over 30 years that the Oyster Bay turntable turned an engine.

Scoff all you want folks that it was only a 25 tonner and not a G5s but the amazing volunteers at OBRM got the job done with real railroad equipment.
Work on Caboose #12 is continuing on pace and once training is completed, we plan on having demonstration rides in our yard.
Plans for 2023 include laying out for track 4 as well as a new paint job on Caboose #50 and the completion of the Worlds Fair Cab repaint.
MADDOG

3 - first time a preserved locomotive has moved under it's own power on long island since the 1960s, if i'm not mistaken

excellent work from an excellent museum. it's a big step, and having a Train You Can Ride seems like it'll help community outreach - and thus, donations - a ton

OBRM is to be commended all the way around. These are three terrific advances worthy of further support. What they have ahead of them requires heavy equipment and substantial donations of money. What will they have accomplished, come October? Well done,OBRM!

Yet another set of milestones at OBRM this past weekend!

Our volunteers re-lubricated the journal bearings on Caboose #12, coupled it to GE 25-Tonner #26, and took it for a ride on the restored turntable!

This marks the first time that an entire train was operated in preservation on Long Island in around 50 years. We have a few more weeks of repairs to make to the caboose, after which we will be formally opening for rides to the public!

Amazing.

Consider if you will, G5's, H-10's, e6's and others, FM C liners, FM H16-44's, ALCO RS1's, RS2's, RS3's, and C-420's have ridden that table. OBRM has made it functional and uses it. What a great restoration and something of which to be hugely proud. Well done guys and gals!

I agree, great job !

And as another update, OBRM has started the task of putting #35 back together. While final details on our contract with Nex Gen Rail are being put together, our yard crew has begun to put the boiler exterior back together. This past Saturday saw the repaired smoke stack installed atop the smokebox along with the turbo generator. The electrical piping/handrails are being installed and being made ready for new wiring to light up the restored headlight and class lights. As we plan on moving the boiler via crane in the next 3 years, we won’t be finishing it up until it has been bolted down to the frame. You can see our progress on our Obrm or LIRR#35 facebook pages

What are your plans with the engine once it is complete?

Rolling display piece within the rail yard.
The smokebox has been completed with all railings being installed. Work on the cab is ongoing with the electrical conduit and appliances being installed such as switches and lighting.

Rolling display meaning that it won't run under its own power but pulled by something else?

Liquidcamphor wrote: ↑Thu Mar 28, 2024 4:10 pm Rolling display meaning that it won't run under its own power but pulled by something else?

Look at the Youtube video higher up on this page.

Liquidcamphor wrote: ↑Thu Mar 28, 2024 4:10 pm Rolling display meaning that it won't run under its own power but pulled by something else?

Correct. No boiler work will be done except on the exterior to put parts back on.

I watched the video, and thank you. Best of luck to your group.