Working Together, Acquiring Parts.
Working Together! A few months ago the T1 Trust started working on acquiring some of the appliances that make the locomotive work. This includes items like injectors (Put water in boiler), Air Compressors (make compressed air for brake system) and Dynamos (Generate electric from steam). As you have seen from previous posts, we decided to manufacture new injectors not only for the #5550, but other mainline locomotives as well. (See post from Jan 13, 2024)
As for the air compressors, that was more difficult to locate two of them that are matching and organizations that would let them go. We knew that we could not afford or find ready to run units and we would need to rebuild some hulks that have been lying around for 75 years. (We were okay with that) We wanted 150 CC cross compounds as they pump the maximum amount of air for your train. They were originally built by Westinghouse Air Brake Company. We located one at the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, MI and another at the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad in Cumberland, MD. Neither were for sale, but both groups needed other items for the continued operation of their steam locomotives, PM #1225 and C&O #1309. We were able to provide both organizations with what they needed and we were able to acquire the air pumps. (More on the trades in a future post)
Now we owned a pair of pumps, we have to rebuild them. Long time friend of the PRR T1 Trust and fellow locomotive builder, Dave Kloke stepped up and wanted to help by rebuilding the pumps for us. We said yes and he picked them up, took them back to his shop and tore them apart right away. He has started machining the old parts to back new, ordering gaskets and new rings for the cylinders. In a few months, these pumps will be like new and ready to be mounted on the #5550’s frame.
We put this story out there to show out transparency and our ability to be creative to get the locomotive built. If we would have gone to some of the contractors out there and bought newly rebuilt ready to run pumps, we would of spent over $140,000 on two pumps. By taking the time and putting this deal together, three groups can benefit and we spend just a fraction of $140,000 to have two pumps ready to run. (Likely under $7,000) Our job is to be good stewards of the donations you give and make them go as far as possible. If you would like to help us with a donation for these pumps, we will gladly accept. The payment we will have with these pumps will come from our reoccurring monthly donors. These types of donations help us plan months in advance. If you can spare an extra $20, $50 or $100 each month that would get more projects like this completed. THANK YOU!
Consider a donation today –
