Engine 557 Restoration Company
Progress Report October 2022

October 2022 became a whirlwind of activity planning for the public roll out of 557 on October 8th. Our many active in-kind-donors in the business community, major funders and volunteers were invited for an early Saturday morning event where locomotive 557 and tender were officially joined with the draw bar. Enticements included a continental breakfast, and door prizes.

With all the preparations in place, we prayed the endless rain and wind would stop so we could actually go outside. At 7:00 am it did not look good, and plan B, moving the event inside was being considered. Jeff DeBroeck held a safety meeting with the active crew. At 8:00 am the rain stopped and the cloud cover lifted to reveal Pioneer Peak. GAME ON!

557 put on her best face while preparing to be towed out of the engine house before sunrise at 8:20 a.m. This early morning roll out went off just as it was rehearsed a week before. Our Case 721 loader easily positioned the locomotive and then left the stage. By dawn’s early light, Pioneer Peak welcomed 557, while the crew secured her with wheel chocks and chain locks.

Among our visitors were Mark Stearns (Alaska Wood Molding Co.), Walley Smith (live steamer, retired industrial arts teacher), Keith Nore (volunteer from North Pole and retired Coca-Cola distributor) Dave Syren (History buff and McCarthyite) just a sample of the diverse interests supporting 557.

Next out the door was the tender with a little boost in the poling pocket from the Cat fork lift. With the tender clearing the door, for the first time in 10 years the 557 volunteers witnessed an empty nest.

By 9:15 the gathering crowd was split between the continental breakfast inside and those anticipating the approaching North Bound AuRoRa passenger train from Anchorage. This prearranged flag stop allowed the exchange of greetings between passengers on the train and the celebrants. The five chime brass whistle, donated by Laurence Altoff of Littlestown, PA, exchanged blasts with Alaska Railroad SD70MAC No.4324, bridging a 79 year gap in locomotive technology.

The crowd gathered to witness the connection between 557 and her tender.

The future is looking up for 557, all lit up from front to rear. Volunteer Introductions were in order. For the record, Left to Right: Dean Sawyer, Mike McKervey, James Keene, Gerry Christensen, Pat Durand, Michael Bridges, Jerry Peters, Lynn Willis, Keith Nore, Ken Elmore, Jerry Cunnington, Tom Walker and Laverne Buller, Jeff DeBroeck is in the cab. Present but not in the photo were: Terry Douglas, Jane Smith, Doug VanWingerden, Jerry Keffer and Board Members Sean Mesloh, Dick Morris and past board member Maria Keffer. Dottie Elmore managed the gift shop table.

Special thanks go to Board Member and COO Paul Bates for sponsoring the Continental Breakfast served by Dannielle.

The Nelson family at ATS portables provided the necessities and Gary Fiester of Greatland Welding and Machine contributed use of the sound system.

My personal thanks to all who contributed to making our 10 year anniversary roll out a memorable and enjoyable day motivated by our shared commitment to restoring steam engine 557. KTUU captured the event for the evening news.

What other say:

Norm Odsather “Very nice piece put together by the Alaska News Source folks! Very well spoken Pat! To see 557 with the head lamp, classification lights and number boards all lit up, to hear the bell ring from atop the boiler and the whistle calling out, the work you all have done for the past 10 years and counting is becoming more reality than vision. My hat is as always off to the people with the desire to skillfully craft that reality and the dream to return steam to the rails of Alaska.”,

“Both Beverly and I enjoyed this most "Special Gathering" on October 8th.  It has been a long hard trip for 557 and its supporters.  I think "Billy" Smith, my father would be smiling as well as shaking his head at the restoration of this STEAM ENGINE. Thank You for this very special occasion!!!!!” Wally Smith

Ronald Peterson, Steam Engineer 714th Railroad Battalion, “Well done saving Army and Alaska Railroad History.”

“We are celebrating with you.” Edna (Edna DeVries, Mat-Su Borough Mayor and her husband Noel were in attendance on October 8th.

From Ross Rowland on Facebook, “Congratulations Dick to you and your crew for your steadfast devotion to this task, I’m confident that once she’s back in service you’ll be properly rewarded. Keep up the good work.”

“Please pass our appreciation for all the hard work accomplished by the crew, 557 never looked so good” Dennis and Diane Allen. This was punctuated with a very very nice contribution to the restoration fund.

From Bob Kittel on Facebook “One of the best shops I have seen.”

The crew was soon back at work in the shop, doing a dry fit of the cross compound Westinghouse air pump. We needed to verify clearance with the smoke box front and locate where new pipe runs will be needed.

To verify the fit of the valve rod cross heads we needed to establish the center line of the valve cylinder bore. Jerry Cunnington machined plugs of abs plastic to fit the forward bore of the valve cylinder and then set up a red laser level as a light source on that center line. The laser target verified the measurement needed for the crosshead center line. This may seem like redundant work but the 557 is 79 years old and we have no records of any work done before. It is just prudent to establish the current base line data.

Visitors in October included these serious railroaders.

James R. Evans, N&S Engineer from VA took the tour on October 1st. He did a lot of photography which I hope he will share with us.

Pulini Family, Dad Faifua, Mom Laura and brothers Tanekuma & Douglas came by for a surprise gift of the 557 tour for Tanekuma’s 16th birthday. He is a Sophomore at West High in Anchorage, and very well versed in Steam lore so we had an interesting two hour tour. I fully expect that both boys will be in a future 557 crew as they have had serious exposure to Ferraequineosis.

Tim and Kiley Parks were chasing trains in Alaska and riding them. Tim is in Engine service with the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad where they also run oil burners. He provided this image of the 557 cab interior. We spent over four hours together comparing notes on engines and oil firing. He also commented on our nice shop facilities. Even without an overhead crane or a drop pit we manage for now.

For the last quarter Fred Meyer / Kroger community rewards based on participation of 31 households contributed $85.16 to Engine 557. For an absolutely painless way to support 557 check it out at:
fmcommunityrewards@fredmeyer.com Let’s grow this to 310 families.

Steve Rimple, Monty Holm’s grandson, just made a major donation to 557. Moses Lake Steel just provided 23 sections of 20 ft steel tube for our super heater rebuild project. We are entering this at an in-kind value of $6,600 plus transportation. Lynden transport provided shipping from Fife Washington to Anchorage as well.

The Alaska Association of Historic Preservation, Inc. surprised us with this announcement. This honored recognition is even more valued as it was totally unsolicited.

In response, I answered Trish Neal as follows:
Recognition of the Engine 557 Restoration Company and by extension our many volunteers, Board Members and business supporters is greatly appreciated. For the past 10 years, this cadre of Engine 557 supporters has collaborated to bring 557, the last standard gauge Alaska Railroad steam engine to life. Restoration is funded entirely by private donations from individuals, foundations and in-kind corporate giving. At 557.alaskarails.org the history of 557 as a veteran, service on the Alaska Railroad and restoration is fully documented.

So all 557 Boosters, Volunteers, Board Members, Business Partners and Donors, please take a bow. Now let’s go to work, raise the money and finish the project.

 

Patrick J. Durand
President Engine 557 Restoration Company

 

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