Steve Rimple of Moses Lake Iron and Steel provided a photo of 557 and her savior Mr. Monte Holm. Monty was Steve’s Grandfather, and would occasionally fire up 557 and make trips to the local fair grounds. Everyone who paused for a visit in the Museum got a warm welcome and parted with a Werther’s Hard Candy in their cheek.

Russel Joyce, Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 300, organized a field trip for about 80 Scouts and their parents on October 3, 2016. The evening session was an excellent opportunity to get our story out. There were several offers from young volunteers. As soon as they turn 18 we can take them on as apprentice helpers. In the mean time others offered to do fund raising for the benefit of 557.

The Knik, Wasilla Historical Society requested an update presentation on Engine 557 as the main presentation for their Annual Alaska Day Dinner and desert auction. We accommodated with our 557 PowerPoint presentation for an appreciative crowd of about 100 history boosters. Their desert auction raised about $3,600.00 for the group. We contributed an EXTRA 557 RETURNING print to the group which raised another $140.00.

With winter weather pending, the Case 721 loader moved the cradles with the four 57’ drivers into warm dry storage in the Alaska Railroad Section Gang warehouse. They are lined up against the wall to protect the crank pins. The canvas covers just keep the dust and dirt off until they are needed. Thanks for this extra storage space provided by the Alaska Railroad.

Scott Rice tacked in more of the sleeves for the 480 flexible stay bolts going into the backhead and the throat sheet. Terry Douglas worked on the inside to align the sleeves. Terry also assisted Dean Sawyer with the air power reamers preparing the outer shell for the flexible stay bolts sockets.

The assembly and finish work being done on major components continue. Over two years ago we did all the sand blasting and patch work on the cab walls and roof. Preliminary work saw application of primers. In order to declutter the shop it was decided to assemble the floor and cab in final paint and add the detail items.

Mark Sterns of Alaska Wood Moulding Company provided the clear white oak laminated and milled to the specified 1.5” thickness. The floor boards are bolted to the steel deck and then the pipe and controls that penetrated the floor were marked out on the bottom of the planks. Potential penetrations were drilled out one inch deep on the back side with a pilot hole extending through to the top side.

Once it is determined which of the penetrations will actually be needed they can be drilled out with a hole saw from the top side. Late season sun and a warm day permitted Jerry Cunnington to apply the new finish of Armour Shield green paint. Next came rough fitting the floor and cab sections.

In what seems to be a never ending process, the cab is separated and then masked for touch up primer and a coat of black paint. Following the first coat of black, Thomas Walker and Jerry touch up with scotch bright in prep for a final top coat. By the time this job is done there are 6 coats of primer and finish paint on the cab exterior.

Nearly all 557 Mechanical Department volunteers have been involved in the cab project. Dean Sawyer, Mike McKervey here consult with CMO Jeff DeBroeck on the next step.

All the interior wood was removed for finish paint. Between the wood sleepers the crew signed the cab ceiling, then installed the milled oak over a double barrier of foil radiant heat barrier and insulation. Wood worker David Lucus inspected the last of the wood trim. Dave also delivered the new Fireman’s box seat made from birch plywood harvested on his own property. The seat will receive a two inch pad and real leather tooled seat cover.

Great Christmas and Holiday gifts are available from 557 Restoration Company. Fine art by J. Craig Thorpe, Extra 557 Returning, limited edition prints for $100. Great Alaska RR history and children story by Shannon Cartwright for $12.00. These signed copies of the third printing of Ol’ 557 with a four page bonus on the restoration of 557 are available for immediate shipping. Own your own piece of 557, as a section of 557 Superheater flue is just $45.00.

Engine 557 Restoration Company can only progress as fast a funding is received. We sincerely thank those individuals who have responded to our request for matching funds for application to the $9,000 grant by the John H. Emery Railway Heritage Trust.

Please consider a major contribution to Engine 557 Restoration Company to close out the 2016 year. Your contribution is tax deductible and our EIN 46-2663256,

When in the Wasilla area, come visit the volunteers working on Engine 557 Restoration.

Patrick J. Durand, President

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