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  • Maine Central Steam Locomotive #470 Discussion

  • Discussion relating to the pre-1983 B&M and MEC railroads. For current operations, please see the Pan Am Railways Forum.
Discussion relating to the pre-1983 B&M and MEC railroads. For current operations, please see the Pan Am Railways Forum.

Moderator: MEC407

 #1353893  by Jeff Smith
 
I think we're all entitled to our opinion here. I respect all of your opinions, and you've done a good job of discussing it with MEC's guidance. As with everything, only time will tell.
 #1353902  by Noel Weaver
 
PLEASE, I have not expressed any feeling of ill will toward those involved or supporting this project but only my reservations and concerns as to how they can make it happen. The best brains and the best intentions alone can not accomplish it without a huge amont of financial help and this will be very difficult. As for my ever traveling north again, sorry to say but that would be great but very unlikely at this stage of my life.
Noel Weaver
PS. As of at least the present time I do not have the use of a computer so all that I do on here comes through my smart phone while can ba a pain at times. Right now any correction to this is sort of on the back burner.
 #1354118  by RGlueck
 
Mr. Weaver and all: The 470 project is, as of this date, very robust and healthy. We have adjustments to make to our schedule and plans, but such is the nature of a "seat of the pants" initiative. The point is, a great deal of the preliminary work and required financial support for the first phase is in place. We have not lost sight of our goal, nor are we dissuaded from carrying it out. The shop building we planned to house the locomotive has recently been funded through grant resources. More of that will appear on our website in a few days. The availability of the moving equipment is a critical aspect we are working to determine.
Other than that, blood pressure is good, heartbeat strong, all fingers and toes at the ready. Hope you are well too.

R. Glueck
Pres.
NESCO
 #1354127  by douellet
 
Dick, that NESCO has the funding in place for a shop building is truly outstanding news! What an upgrade from sitting out in elements as the 470 has had to endure for the past 50+ years. Looking forward to 470's arrival in Washington Junction in the coming year. For those who want to see the 470 saved and haven't yet contributed to NESCO, please consider doing so.
 #1354177  by MEC407
 
It's been mentioned before, but I'd like to mention it again:

If you do any shopping on Amazon, whether it's frequently or just occasionally, you can help support the 470 restoration project and it won't cost you a single penny.

Amazon has a charitable giving program called Amazon Smile. They allow Amazon customers to choose an eligible charity, and they will donate 0.5% of the price of your purchases to the charity you picked. New England Steam Corp is one of their eligible charities. All you have to do is go to smile.amazon.com, pick a charity, and then remember to always start at smile.amazon.com instead of just amazon.com. It's totally legit, doesn't cost you anything extra, and doesn't change the prices of the things you buy. It's the same company, same products, same great service.

0.5% might not seem like much, but if all of us who buy from Amazon start using Amazon Smile and choose New England Steam Corp as our charity, it could really add up! And remember, it doesn't cost you anything extra; you're simply telling Amazon who you want them to donate to.
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 #1356024  by MEC407
 
From CentralMaine.com:
CentralMaine.com wrote:A steam locomotive that has been rusting on College Avenue for more than 60 years will have a new home soon after a Winterport company completes its purchase from the city at a ceremony scheduled for Thursday.

Engine 470 is the largest remaining steam locomotive in New England and the last locomotive to operate on the Maine Central Railroad, according to a news release from New England Steam Corp., the company making the purchase. The locomotive, which has sustained significant damage from exposure, rust and vandals, will be restored and displayed to the public in Ellsworth.

The company will present the city of Waterville with a check for $25,000 during the ceremony, planned for 10 a.m. Thursday at the engine on College Avenue, just north of the railroad overpass.
Read the rest of the article at: http://www.centralmaine.com/2015/11/04/ ... -thursday/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
 #1356060  by RGlueck
 
New England Steam Corporation has purchased former Maine Central steam locomotive #470 from the city of Waterville, Maine.
The purchase was completed shortly before 11AM this morning, when members of the NESCO Board of Directors handed a check for the purchase price to the City Manager. Three television network affiliates and two radio stations gave coverage to the purchase at the locomotive, along with several supportive visitors.

The locomotive and tender will be separated next Thursday, and disassembly for the move will begin on that same day. The donation of cranes and trucks, based on their availability and ground conditions will determine when the "lift" will take place. The contract with the city gives NESCO until December 28th, 2016 to remove the locomotive.

The locomotive will be restored inside a semi-permanent shop building on the Downeast Scenic Railroad, in Washington Jct., Maine.

Please consider supporting New England Steam Corporation if you have not already done so, or become a member.

http://www.newenglandsteam.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

NESCO
P.O. Box 302
Winterport, Maine 04496
 #1356420  by MEC407
 
From the Bangor Daily News:
Bangor Daily News wrote:Glueck said the group has received support from all over the world, including from an American military service member stationed in Afghanistan, and that donations not just of money but of services, time and materials will be key to making the project work.

“People are anxious to see this succeed,” Glueck said.

Gary Briggs, vice president of Downeast Scenic Railroad and Downeast Rail Historic Preservation Trust, said Friday that he expects there will be close cooperation between the two volunteer groups during the restoration project.

Briggs said that after the locomotive is restored, Downeast Scenic Railroad will operate it as part of its seasonal excursion rail service along the Calais Branch Line in the Ellsworth area, but that New England Steam will remain the locomotive’s owner. He said it will be the only steam engine used by the railroad, which currently operates three diesel-electric engines.

“It’s very exciting,” Briggs said of bringing Number 470 back in service.
Read the rest of the article at: http://bangordailynews.com/2015/11/08/n ... ocomotive/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
 #1356532  by RGlueck
 
The Maine Eastern was a very excited and interested friend of NESCO. Plans included eventually using 470 on seasonal trains once the locomotive had been rebuilt and shaken down on the Downeast Scenic. Reasoning? MERR was a freight hauler and could not have a steamer possibly requiring service and blocking the line. The other piece of this was that the locomotive would be a seasonal guest on the Rockland Branch. It must be pointed out that MERR helped NESCO with our first Touch A Train event. CM&Q Ry., the new operator of the Rockland branch, has also been positive in supporting the preservation efforts of NESCO, however at this time, CM&Q has not expressed interest in operating excursion or other passenger services. Bear in mind, New England Steam is just beginning to relocate 470 for the rebuild. How this all plays out in ten years, other than the locomotive running on the DESR, is anyone's guess. Patience.
 #1358086  by RGlueck
 
The locomotive and tender of MEC 470 were separated today, being the first time in over six decades. An assessment of the tender and requirements for the replacement tank and coal bunker has begun. Funding to purchase steel and have the tank professionally rebuilt is underway. Volunteer Keith Muldowny is producing a full set of blackline drawings for this purpose. Thank you, Keith!
Work at the 470 will be put on hold this week, due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Work will resume the following week.
NESCO will be at the Brewer Train Show this coming Saturday. Please stop by our table to purchase shirts, hats, prints, and note cards. Ring the bell and renew your memberships.
 #1361269  by RGlueck
 
Mechanics Bob DeWachter and Ron Jenkins supervise the removal of 470's Coffin feedwater pump from 470, on Saturday, Dec. 12. This unit weighs about 300 pounds and involved three men to lift and set it on the ground. Earlier this year, it was found the turbine blades of the pump are not only clean, but spin freely. Several other mechanical parts of the locomotive are scheduled for removal in the weeks to come, provided this excellent weather holds out. Considering the season, we are fortunate to have not only the fine temperatures, but a group of workers who are dedicated to the tasks at hand.
470's original, and heavily damaged headlight and shelf bracket have been removed and placed in secure storage, along with her markers and brackets. Replacements for the markers are being sought. A pattern for the tender backup light bezel is presently being turned. This particular part was broken off by vandals almost immediately after the locomotive went on display, so replacing it will make a long time "wrong", right.
The biggest gain at the moment, has been the removal of the lug nuts that have tied the boiler to the frame of 470 for most of her service life. Work crews have had remarkable good fortune if freeing them with application of heat, oil, and muscle power. It's almost like the big Pacific is helping with the work.
Work crew members have consistently involve Ron and Bob, mentioned above, Al Jenkins, Paul van Steenberghe, Bill Alexander, Leverett Fernald, Shawn Melvin, Peter Violette, and yours truly.

A fund has been started to purchase steel and pay for renewal labor of the tender. Engineer Joe Foley, Jr. has diligently been planning both the transfer of 470 from the current location to Washington Jct., and the layout of the shop structure. Donations to the moving fund, the tender and cab rebuilding fund, or the shop and tool funds can be specifically designated by donors. If you have not yet joined NESCO or need to renew your 2016 membership, please review suggested donation levels on our website, http://www.newenglandsteam.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; . You can renew or donate using Paypal, better still, by mailing your membership or gift to: New England Steam Corporation, P.O. Box 302, Winterport, Maine 04496 .

Thank you members, for being a real part of a really productive restoration of New England's largest surviving steam locomotive, and a true treasure of Maine.

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 #1361277  by MEC407
 
RGlueck wrote:If you have not yet joined NESCO or need to renew your 2016 membership, please review suggested donation levels on our website, http://www.newenglandsteam.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; . You can renew or donate using Paypal, better still, by mailing your membership or gift to: New England Steam Corporation, P.O. Box 302, Winterport, Maine 04496 .
Done and done! Thank you for the reminder.
 #1361278  by gokeefe
 
RGlueck wrote:This unit weighs about 300 pounds and involved three men to lift and set it on the ground. Earlier this year, it was found the turbine blades of the pump are not only clean, but spin freely.
Yet another example of the generally excellent interior mechanical condition of #470. It is always encouraging to see continued progress. One step at a time is all it takes.
 #1368081  by RGlueck
 
If you are attending the Springfield Railroad Show this weekend, please stop by our display and introduce yourself! We'll have a few artifacts on display, something really new, and our great 470 Baseball caps and shirts.
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