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What is the status of C&NW 175 (4-6-0) at the Steam Railroad Institute in Owosso? I know it was moved there a couple of years ago to be restored. How is the work progressing along? I haven't heard anything for quite a while.

I believe its wheels are still being reworked at FMW Solutions. Here is the latest news link on the subject from SRI: https://michigansteamtrain.com/cnw-175- ... r-rebuild/

I have heard that most of the attention this year has been to reassemble the 1225’s wheels and various components in order to get the locomotive operational in time for the North Pole Express trips coming up this November and December, then work will focus more heavily on the 175 project to move it toward completion. I know they are hopeful to run steam without the need to fire up the 1225 every time.

But I agree with you, broadly speaking, it is difficult to feel enthusiastic about any restoration project at any museum, let alone want to pull out one’s wallet to support the effort, when news is long out of date, or there just isn’t any, plain and simple. No one wants to pony up $$ for (the appearance of) nothing. Communication is vitally important, even if the news is that something is delayed, other priorities have arisen, etc. etc. Also, not everyone is on Facebook, so that shouldn’t be seen as the one and only essential communication Avenue.

GAP, great to hear from you! I was looking back at some old photos recently from around Kalamazoo and Schoolcraft and recalled seeing B1G and other such goodies around Kzoo with you! Hope you are doing well.

The frame and running gear went to Gramling Locomotive works. The boiler I believe is still on site.

1225 is taking priority right now

JBaxter wrote: ↑

Mon Jul 31, 2023 7:04 am

I believe its wheels are still being reworked at FMW Solutions.

MQT1223 wrote: ↑

Wed Aug 02, 2023 9:52 am

The frame and running gear went to Gramling Locomotive works. The boiler I believe is still on site.

1225 is taking priority right now

Pluta Rail Options & Services at Gramling Locomotive Works.

Overall, the frame and the rest of the #175 running gear is in fairly decent shape for an engine that hasn't run since 1957. Early on, the boiler was cleaned up and mapped to start the process of determining how much of it has to be replaced to comply with Part 230. When the Revive 175 project was announced, the estimate was three years and $2 million to complete the job. Steam engine rebuilds always have the possibility of surprises. In addition to the running gear and boiler work, it arrived missing some parts (like a cab). Besides the two steam engines under rebuild, we are just finishing up a 1 1/2 year long rebuild project on a coach (#5447) - and people in seats are what pays the bills. Not on Facebook? Just check in on this web link: https://michigansteamtrain.com/revive-175/

thatcheb wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 03, 2023 11:24 pm

Besides the two steam engines under rebuild, we are just finishing up a 1 1/2 year long rebuild project on a coach (#5447) - and people in seats are what pays the bills.

What work was done to 5447? Will it now match the rest of the ex-VIA cars?

I saw the 175 every day in the summer of 1969 when I was the fireman on the Keweenaw Central #29 (ex-Copper Range 2-8-0). It was just sitting there apparently with no hope for the future.Years later I was back in the Copper Country and drove past it every day on my way to work for ten years. I sure am glad that it is being restored and will have a future. I'm especially surprised that #29 is no longer in running condition and sits on static display at North Freedom Wisconsin. It sure seemed like the opposite when I knew them both close-by.

I started a new discussion on SRI coach #5447.

NS3322 wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 03, 2023 11:40 pm

thatcheb wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 03, 2023 11:24 pm

Besides the two steam engines under rebuild, we are just finishing up a 1 1/2 year long rebuild project on a coach (#5447) - and people in seats are what pays the bills.

What work was done to 5447? Will it now match the rest of the ex-VIA cars?

I believe its body and window work for most of these. The 5447 was the brown coach, a car I called "The Turd" for its appearance. It will definitely not look that way much longer, as it was getting primer the last I saw.