Engine 557 Restoration Company
Progress Report March 2022

Spring seems slow in coming but we are gaining 6 minutes a day with 14 hours of warm daylight. The volunteers now have a snow free parking lot. In the sun we can enjoy 50 degree warmth to work in.

Mrs. Donna Owens just donated four railroad lamps and books on Alaska Railroad to Engine 557. These items came from the collection of her Dad, Benjamin F. Parrish who passed away on December 14, 2021. Ben was born in on a rural farm in Honey Grove Texas July 19, 1932 and at the age of 18 got a ride up the Alaska Highway following his dreams of Jack London’s Yukon. Ben went to work for the Alaska Railroad, eventually becoming a locomotive engineer and retiring in 1985 with 34 years of service. He was one of the old guard, who operated 557 and her steaming sisters on the Alaska Railroad. We are thankful for these donations in memory of Benjamin F. Parrish, Donna’s dad and a railroad locomotive engineer.

Many local visitors have been stopping by the engine house on the warming sunny days. Some to offer assistance and others just to check on progress.

Dave Snyder of Diversified Tire, is one of our regular supporters. He came by to offer used tire replacements for our fleet of support equipment, fork lifts, loader and trailers.

Dennis Bland is “retired”, takes great photos and is a regular follower.

Len Grau, long retired FAA guy, has been a financial supporter of 557 and drops in to see what trouble his child hood neighbor (that’s Pat) is in now.

Patricia O’Neil, arranged a family tour for sons, Graham and Gerrit and they brought Dad, Tom, along. After an hour of very informed questions the boys got to ring our bells and they left behind a very nice donation. More important was the experience because these guys will be just the right age to help 557 through an FRA 15 year boiler overhaul. Patricia comments, “Patrick, Thank you again for your time yesterday, the books and the cards! We really appreciate everything. …… I also did several FB posts on our trip to Engine 557 and included information about what you are doing and how to contact you if they have interest in the project :) Hopefully it will drive good things your way. I did tag Engine 557 in the posts as well. …… :) Thanks again! Patricia “

Thought you should know that in-kind donations continue from our committed Alaskan Businesses. Over the years we estimate the value of in-kind donations to be near $800,000.00.

Recently my 22 year old GMC Diesel blew a front crank seal after 338K miles and it got retired. Central Environmental has loaned me a nice Chevrolet Van until I find a replacement.

Today I requested quote from four vendors for 4X2 inch .250 wall rectangular tube valued at $205.00 Flat bar 1 1/2 X4 X10 feet valued $440.00 Denny at Weld Air in Wasilla e-mailed first thing "Give you a 10' of each.....com'n getter…." When I got there it was a donation! His comment was "Consider this as a little recognition of the thousands of hours your volunteers have invested in 557."

Gary Feaster at Greatland Welding continues to provide all of our welding supplies, rod, gas, wire etc. Today I picked up an 11 pound roll of .035 wire for the wire feed welder. Value was $70.00.

Alaska Industrial Hardware after 9 years is still providing "At Cost" on all our purchases.

Lynden Transport still provides forwarding services from their Fife, Washington terminal to Anchorage at No Charge!

Not to be forgotten: The Alaska Railroad Corporation provides the space for restoration of Engine 557 here in Wasilla along with consultation and reference services that we count on.

These folks represent a larger spectrum of regular support from our Alaskan Business Partners who share our Hall of Fame.

557 has literally been “up in the air” on blocking and jacks while repairs were made to 3 of the 8 pedestal binders. With drawings in hand, Jeff DeBroeck led the crew in making the corrections required. Jerry Cunnington and Terry Douglas were the machinist using both the mill and shaper. The tapered engaging surfaces on the machined binders were left unpainted. After the final fit passed inspection, the locomotive was lowered off the jacks. Some of the crew attendants to this event were Jerry, Terry, Tom, Mike pictured along with Jeff and Pat.

The final installation of the pedestal binders has been completed, the jacks lowered and 557 is now setting on its drivers. The suspension is loaded and measurements at the four corners are very close and about 5/8" higher than the specified 44 3/4" in the drawings. Considering there are no tubes in the boiler, hence no water that is perfect. We will be adding appliances, Air Pump and the pilot out front and she will settle some when it moves on the suspension for the first time.

This has been a long time coming but 557 is going together actually better than new. We now have Babbitt in the journals, new springs, all the hangers, spring rigging and motion have case hardened bushings of standard size and new pins. Years of work are coming together. Another milestone will come when we dry fit the rods for the first time, as they are ready and waiting with all new bushings and bearings.

Ken Elmore has taken up the master electrician position following the retirement of Jerry Peters. In consultation with Paul Dalleska they are keeping the best of the original hardware and upgrading with new EMD wire and fixtures.

A Monday volunteer crew included Mason Petersen, Gene Augustine, Michael Bridges, Mike McKervey, Paul Dalleska, Ken Elmore, along with Ron Dudley and Pat Durand behind the camera. They can be called on to do whatever their skills can be adapted to. Some can work one, two, three or four days a week. Some work behind the scenes even longer.

Rebuilding the old pilot (cow catcher) gets everyone involved. The original was destroyed in a 1948 collision with a speeder and two material trailers. What we have is obviously a hand me down probably from one of the 1906 Panama Moguls. Components were hung from the pilot beam with extra holes and misfit fasteners. Thus it looked like swiss cheese with many torched extra holes.

For a start, the crew took turns with Lynn Willis needle scaling the old paint and rust from the pilot. Ron Dudley and Michael Bridges welded the extra holes closed and laid new beads across the original welds on the tube sections. The crude flame cut and welded joints received new welds, then were ground flush, and the 7/8” inch holes were reamed to a consistent fit. Front foot boards got similar treatment, holes filled, bends removed and missing material replaced.

Jim Keene took on the job of clean up, grinding all the welds clean on the pilot. Mason and Gene dressed the foot boards and foundation legs. After sand blasting and paint the reconditioned pilot parts will be ready to install.

I am late writing the March Report, sorry. There are just so many good things happening that I cannot resist a preview of the April Report. The crew all pitched in and removed the jacks and blocking to storage outside the building. 557 is standing proud and by this weekend will be joined by her tender to get final measurements for the draw bar and deck apron.

Looking forward to the next big milestone, installing tubes and flues and getting a hydro test. It all takes time and money. My personal thanks to all you supporters of 557 that contribute in so many ways.

Have a glorious spring and summer.

Matching Challenge funds are still available to double your contribution to:

 

Patrick J. Durand
President Engine 557 Restoration Company

 

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