Winter has arrived in Wasilla, Alaska, with temperatures during the day hovering around freezing and an incessant wind desiccating what little snow has fallen. The 557 Engine House is an uninsulated concrete block structure and the main source of heat is the residual summer warmth still radiating out of the concrete floor slab. A water bottle on the floor will not freeze overnight but if left on top of a filing cabinet you have ice water in the morning. Nevertheless, 557 has a secure home under a roof, which is more than many such restoration efforts enjoy. We are thankful.

557 Mechanical Department volunteers just work harder to keep warm. Crew members have loaned three large oil fired space heaters to the effort. At $3.96 per gallon we heat only localized work areas. Jeff DeBroeck, Chief Mechanical Officer for 557, claims he will have no problem staying warm in the smoke box or the firebox while removing tubes with the cutting torch. Jeff and Jerry Cunnington have removed the petticoat and will continue work in the smoke box so the superheaters can be removed.

Jerry Cunnington and Jeff DeBroeck removing petticoat from the smoke box on 557.  October 31, 2012  
Next will come the blast pipe, Steam delivery pipes and super heater assemblies.

My neighbor, Aren Schurosky works for Vannoy Electric and offered to help 557. He designed a major electrical upgrade to the building electrical system, arranged for purchase of the equipment and supplies at cost and then arrived with his co-worker Baily to install it all as an in-kind donation. A 45 KVA 3 phase transformer now feeds a new 3 phase panel serving 20 amp GFI outlets along both the East and West walls. Overhead we have power for ceiling fans to move air off the high ceilings and control moisture. As needed, 30 and 50 amp 220 outlets can be added. Previously, there were two 10 amp circuits and four outlets available for the entire building. POWER TO THE PEOPLE, working on 557!

Hans Vogel of TRIJET Manufacturing introduced himself at the Alaska Railroad Open House in May 2012 where 557 was on display. He offered services of his firm in support of the restoration effort. During a shop tour of their high tech operation, I handed Hans the cast iron finial from the end of 557's hand rail and requested a duplicate to replace a missing one. He accepted the job at 3 p.m., noting they do no foundry work. At 4:30 p.m. he called me to pick up the job. TRIJET Manufacturing has the distinction of producing the first replacement part for the 557 Project, a CNC machined steel finial which is a direct match of the original. All we need to do is beat it with a hammer for a while to distress it into a matching 70 year old appearance. They have a huge water jet cutter that will do everything from a new drawbar from 3 inch thick steel to fiber gaskets as needed. These services are offered as in-kind donations.

Upon completion of the $46,500 asbestos abatement, donated by Central Environmental Incorporated, crews have returned to label and sort the boiler jacket parts removed in the process.

Joe Coe, Lynn Willis and Jerry Cunnington taped over unneeded holes and patched rusted out areas with duct tape so the old jacket can be used as a pattern for its replacement. Jacket parts were stacked into a 96" X 86" pile, 5 inches deep, awaiting crating. Alaska West Express will cover the cost of shipping the old jacket back to Moses Lake Steel Supply to be replaced by an new set of clothes for 557.

Steve Rimple, of Moses Lake Steel Supply, when asked if he had a fabrication shop for sheet metal, sent this reply.

"To be able to put my steel on my Grandfather's train is not an option it is a responsibility. We will do it. And if you want to go to a thicker material now will be the time. Also a list of extra steel and fasteners you will need for the job. So please look at my website and ask any questions. We represent 47 companies from steel to power tools to nuts and bolts."

"I say get the pieces down here and we will start working on it. It will be an honor to be a part of this! I sure appreciate the updates and knowing the 557 is coming back to life everyday. A great tribute to My Grandfather, the Alaska RR, and the Jansen family will be seeing her steam up again."

Yes, Steve continues the business founded by his grandfather, Monte Holm. His response to the 557 Project has been mirrored repeatedly by the many companies who have stepped forward to make major in-kind contributions to move the project forward.

Progress can be measured in many ways. As I get older, I find the best tally is the many friends we make in pursuing a common cause. I recently told Stuart Jacques, President of CEI that I could not say THANKS in big enough letters.

Until we find a better way to say thanks, a list of in-kind donors is attached. Within a few days this list will be found at alaskarails.org under 557 info "Donate." Take time to tour their facilities on line via their web site addresses. Check out all the services of these talented people, utilize them and say thanks from the crew at Engine 557 Restoration Company.

Please take the time to join these friends of 557 who have made major in-kind contributions, and make your cash donation today for $25.00 or more to:

The Alaska Community Foundation, 557 Fund

Then drop it into the mail to:

The Alaska Community Foundation 557 fund
3201 C Street, Suite 110
Anchorage, AK 99503

Remember your gift will be matched dollar for dollar by the generous Rasmuson Foundation $350,000 grant.

I thank you in advance.

Patrick J. Durand
President, Engine 557 Restoration Company