Only because the weather has been unusual are we commenting. While the rest of the country was under heavy snow watch, here in Wasilla our outside work area had no accumulated snow through most of November.

Central Environmental Services, loaned us their line boring equipment and Jeff DeBroeck, CMO went to work preparing the old arch tube washout plug holes. He was assisted by Jerry Cunnington in line boring the worn egg shaped crosshead guide for the power reverse. The final job was enlarging the worn holes for the front spring hanger to accept new bushings and pins. Thanks to the CES shop crew for their timely assistance.

At the Saturday, Nov. 8th annual meeting of the Association of Tourist Railroads and Railway Museums in Tyler, Texas the TRAINS magazine 2014 Preservation Award was announced. This year's award goes to the New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society. The $10,000 award will be applied to the expense of building a 26L brake system for the AT&SF 2926 steam locomotive under restoration by the Society.

Unfortunately the grant did not come to 557 on our third attempt. We will just try again next year for the Trains Magazine Preservation Award. Congratulations to a very deserving group and project in New Mexico.

Thanks to everyone for the quick response on the need for a wheeled rail cart for the big welder.   Nathan Elmore e-mailed that Grandpa, Jim Posey had four wheels.   Long time live steam model builder Jim Posey, sacrificed his four speeder wheels to the job.   New volunteer machinist, Laverne Bullar cut the backing plates on his digital controlled plasma cutter and fabricated the hubs.  Central Environmental supplied a 20 ft stick of 4" square box section from which the crew cut the frame members.   George Fellers and Jerry Cunnington welded it all up.  With the help of Michael McKervey the wheels got cleaned up and then were assembled by Dean Sawyer. Finally it went on the track and the welder was ensconced for its ride in and out of the building.   Total cost for materials $94.00.   Job well done in a hurry.  

Over the years the locomotive has been fitted with European style buffers and an American style pilot. As a result the pilot beam before repairs looked like swiss cheese. Here Ron Dudley is applying preheat prior to George Fellers welding up the holes. Positioning the pilot and drilling new mounting holes in the pilot beam after repairs will be much easier.

A 5 inch diameter piece of 4140 steel now supports the brake trunion between the frame rails. Doug VanWingerdon prepared the the part on the milling machine assisted by Jimmy Luper. The short leg of the bell crank connects to the adjusting links on the brake rigging laid out here for examination. Some pins will need to be replaced and holes bushed. Ken Elmore is providing stamp identification for each component to facilitate assembly and inventory tracking.

Another demonstration of cooperative effort, installed a much needed personnel door on the West side of the shop. Gary Feaster of Greatland Welding donated the door blank and Alaska Glass and Door provided the frame and latch assembly. Concrete Cutting service provided by Central Environmental sawed the concrete block and our volunteers took it from there. Jim Keener is applying the weather-strip. Just outside the door is the Porta Potty provided by ATS portable toilets. The crew no longer has to walk around the building in the dark, ice, snow and wind to get to the necessities.

Visitors this month included this group of preschoolers on a local home schooling field trip. Yes they did get to ring all three bells representing different phases in 557's history. We also gave them a tour of our palatial Engine 557 Restoration Company office complex, the repurposed former smoking shed from Providence Hospital.

Happy Birthday 557!

The Alaska Railroad's last new steam locomotive, ARR #557, was delivered on November 2, 1944. On Sunday, November 2, 2014, she celebrated her 70th birthday. Wish her a happy birthday and be a part of ensuring she has many more with a generous birthday check to the The Engine 557 Restoration Company. You could also make it a Christmas gift.

Birthday and Christmas contributions can also be made on-line by credit card. Visit: http://alaskarails.org/pix/former-loco/557/support/donate.html

We look forward to seeing you along the tracks.

Patrick Durand for the Engine 557 gang, Merry Christmas