Wednesday, January 23 was a huge score for the 557  project.   Thanks to Lynn Willis, Gerry Keffer, Larry Erckson, Dick Morris, Ron Dudley,  Pat Durand and Ken Elmore who showed up for the 2 pm work call in the warehouse off Arctic Blvd.   Central Environmental Inc. once again made a major donation of heavy duty pallet shelving from a building they have scheduled for demolition.  The crew dismantled 6 sections of 16 foot high and 6 sections of 12 foot high shelving and loaded it all on Jeff DeBroeck's trailer in about 2.5 hours.   In addition the 2X4 cross members and 3/4 inch plywood were all salvaged.    On his way home Jeff parked the loaded trailer in the 557 Engine House.

Saturday, February 2, the weather had warmed up above freezing and Roy Foster showed up in the morning to plow the accumulated drifts away from the West side of the Engine House.   Jeff DeBroeck was joined by new members of the Mechanical Department Fred Tigner and his son, Paul.   Jerry Cunnington, Ron Dudley, Larry Erickson, Lynn Willis and Pat Durand completed the crew for the day. Several visitors came by during the day.

Great progress was made starting with unloading and assembly of all that pallet shelving donated by Central Environmental Inc.

1. Three shorter sections were assembled against the West wall.   The first first deck, installed at work bench height provides work area for breaking down appliances during rebuild.  The second and third deck will be for storing parts and supplies up off the floor.   The Power Reverse, Westinghouse Cross Compound Compressor along with other very heavy pieces were stored on pallets under the shelving. We will be looking for florescent light fixtures to hang over those work benches, either 4 or 8 footers.

2.  The 16 foot uprights have been installed as two stand alone sections down the right side of 557 to provide safe work platforms at adjustable heights as needed.   The extra height will allow tenting of sections of the locomotive when sand blasting and painting are required.   Two connected sections will be moved to the left side when the flue and tube removal are complete.

3.   DeBroeck and Erickson went back to work in the smoke box and Jerry Cunnington entered the firebox assisted by Lynn Willis.   They picked right up where they left off removing superheater flues and fire tubes.   After about three hours the score was, 25/105  and 15/13.     There are still 105 tubes to remove and 13 superheater flues.    We have a good start on the job and with warmer weather more regular work parties will be scheduled.   

4.  Ron Dudley, Fred and Paul Tigner,  Installed the new protective wood jackets on all the rod bearing surfaces.     Corey Brouse, of Small is Beautiful, came through again with one inch strips of 1/2 inch pre-finished cabinet grade plywood, custom cut for each bearing.   They have been wrapped around each bearing and secured with large stainless hose clamps.    

5.   The fork lift on loan from Independent Truck Lift, went to work clearing the floor of pallets of large component parts, securing them on the pallet shelving.   Inventory control is much easier now that these items have a specified storage location.    There is no need to play musical pallets now that the floor area has been cleared.

The crew is growing accustomed to Mrs. Cunnington's fresh bread and the Round House HOBO crock pot lunch.    The cook confirms there are no recipes for this stuff.
Going forward, we are committed to Saturday work calls at 9 am, with some mid week afternoon and evening sessions.      

You can be part of the 557 restoration effort today.    Join us with a donation of $25.00 or more to be matched by the Rasmuson $350,000 grant.

Thanks again to all those who contribute in so many ways.           

Patrick J. Durand
President,  Engine 557 Restoration Company