Here on Lake Wasilla, ice fishing could be underway just across the tracks from the 557 Engine House. Problem is, the constant winds gusting to 60 mph make it impossible to stand in one place on the wind polished ice. Wind Chill -15°.

Wish I could say it is toasty warm in the 557 Engine House, but it is not. Until the tool crib is built, there is no defensible heated space to work in. Plans are being drawn for approval of a 10 X 32 foot stand alone work space that will be insulated and electrically heated. Our machine tools and office space will then be enclosed and subassemblies brought inside with the fork lift to be worked on in relative comfort. The flat roof will provide off floor storage. 17" X 6" X 16 foot glue lams and steel support posts have been donated. We will need 2X6 studs and 2X10 X10' along with 10 sheets of plywood floor decking to put it all together.

Recycled materials are available for lighting. In the next week there will be a supply of heavy duty pallet shelving available for pick up and installation in the Engine House.

Meanwhile the crew is staying warm inside the boiler. Jeff DeBroeck, 557 Chief Mechanical Officer, and Jerry Cunnington have been removing obstructions from the smoke box end to access the superheater assemblies. They were joined by professional boiler makers, Jim and James McPherson a father and son team who work for Jaffa Construction on major projects. Local residents here in the Matanuska Valley, they are providing volunteer support. As a result Jeff was able to remove the last of the superheater assemblies on November 17, 2012.

Smoke box before:

Three masked men holding up a superheater assembly:

Smoke box after superheater removal:

The Palmer Historical Society and the Alaska Territorial Calvary (Mechanized), both hosted presentations by the 557 Restoration Company at November membership meetings. A Powerpoint / Keynote presentation on the history and restoration progress of 557 is available upon request. The goal is entertainment, enlightenment and engagement of donations for 557.

You can ring our bell for a $100.00 donation at the Dena'ina Convention Center in Anchorage during Police Navidad a family themed family festival. Saturday, November 24 between 10 am and 5 pm. Admission is free.

Please extend a big thank you to John Combs, webmaster at alaskarails.org for his always prompt support of our official Web site for Engine 557.

Make your gift 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.

Patrick J. Durand
President, Engine 557 Restoration Company