The Matanuska Electric Association Charitable Foundation has awarded a $10,000 grant from their "Operation Round-Up" program for use in the restoration of ARR 557. Standing outside of the 557 Engine House on a beautiful mid-30s morning, MEA Foundation Chair, David Dahms holds an oversized check while MEA Director, Marvin Yoder congratulates Engine 557 Restoration Company President, Patrick Durand. Also on hand for the presentation and tour were MEA Director of Public Relations, Julie Estey and her two railfan sons.

MEA, with a service area covering the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and the Eagle River area of Anchorage asks its members to round up their electric bills to the next higher dollar and disburses the member contributions through the Foundation to charities in the service area. This is the second grant from the Foundation for the restoration of 557. Thank you to MEA, the Foundation, and to MEA members who participate in "Operation round-Up."

When 557 is in steam, Dave will be able to realize that childhood dream in the cab of a steam locomotive.

Stewart Sterling tried for a personalized license number. He was successful with ARR 557 and thought it would be appropriate on the rear of the 557 tender for a short while. Now you will find it on the back of his Chevy 1 ton pickup at the engine house.

Wally Smith, long time supporter of 557, donated a Francis Mosley 1.5" scale turbo generator to 557. This is an actual operating steam turbine generator for a 1/8" scale locomotive. It will put out enough power to run 4 3 volt DC flashlight lamps. A true piece of machined art work, it is a model of the Pyle National generator as used on engine 557. Wally asked that it be sold and the proceeds go to Engine 557 Restoration Company. We asked $1,450.00 including insured shipment. The offer was posted on Discover Live Steam in their for sale page. Within three hours there were two firm offers and several more requests for information. Mr. Alley, owner of Allen Models of Nevada is now the custodian of a beautiful Mosley MO-6 generator. Engine 557 has banked $1,450.00 thanks to the generosity of Walley Smith and Mr. Alley.

From across the Atlantic our good friend Volker Lange, of Germany,sent us this photo of his car with the following quote.
"I hope a positive surprise for you and the 557 Restoration Company to have.
Today an engine 557 Restoration Company was - sticker affixed to the rear window of my car.
Thus, my car is now advertising for the Restoration Company.  
The photo of the 557 is that of Curtis Fortenberry Collection. The sticker is very similar done than the original 557 Company Logo.
The aim is further to introduce your great project here.
Hopefully my surprise succeeded."  

Tender water outlet is controlled by a pair of 2 1/2" non-rising gate valves. An additional mounting bracket will be secured to the frame and the flat bracket on the discharge line. This will allow slight fore and aft movement to relieve stress on the boss in the bottom of the tank and will stop rotation of the valve when a hammer is used to remove the hose bib for servicing.

Fitting safety chain brackets on the tender continued with painting. Installation has been completed with 1.25 inch grade 8 bolts holding the chain assembly to the tender draw head.

Finally we were able to close the access hole cut into the right water leg of the tender. This provided entry into very tight spaces to needle scale, sand blast and finally apply Apexior 3 paint. The badly corroded water screens were replaced with new stainless steel fabrications. A few more coats of primer and you will never know there had been a hole there. Next some one has to go spelunking to paint the last coat of Apexior 3 on the back side of the welded area. We will need to repeat the process on the left side after installation of a long awaited sight glass, in mid March.

Jerry Cunnington and Dean Sawyer chased pipe threads on the turret and made new copper seals for the main turret shut off valve. With the valve seat reconditioned the valve was closed and all the outlets plugged. Now the assembly is ready for hydro testing to check for any leaks. It will soon be painted with Thermolox high temp paint and will be ready when the time comes to plumb up all the auxiliary lines to the firing manifold, blower, turbo generator, air pump, cab heat and both injector starter valves.

Among regular supporters and visitors to 557, Ben Herman, of Palmer, stops in every other month or so with words of encouragement. Ben was one of the principals in Herman Bros. Construction and worked on projects all over the state. The crew enjoys sharing our step by step progress, and we have a seat reserved for Ben during our future steam trials.

Anchorage Fur Rendezvous brings about the Great Alaskan Train Show at the Historic Anchorage Depot. Engine 557 Restoration Company is well represented there by Dick Morris our Secretary Treasurer and a team of volunteers. The Rondy Royalty, Lady Trapper April Powers and Lord Trapper Jim Henderson blessed our project. The train show is hosted by the Military Society of Model Engineers who along with the Northern Lights Model Railroad Club have been major financial supporters of Engine 557 Restoration Company.

Engine 557 volunteers are busy putting all the pieces back together. Progress will move just as fast as money can be raised to bring our Professional Engineer, Robert Franzen, up to provide guidance on stay bolt installation. The components have been purchased and are being shipped North. You can help out now with a tax deductible donation or purchase of any of our fund raising premiums. Sponsor a flue or tube, purchase a souvenir section of retired tube or flue, get that fine art piece "Engine 557 Returning". Push that button DONATE at 557.alaskarails.org.

Come and visit 557 when you are in the area.

Patrick J. Durand, President

Click here for some of the ways you can help out.

Make all donations to: Engine 557 Restoration Company at the above address.
An Alaskan 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Corporation, EIN 46-2663256

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