The railroad and contractor Diversified Rail Services will fire up again on Oct. 30 for a fundraising dinner that offers a chance to visit the project in a behind the scenes tour. Railroad Executive Director John Garner and Diversified’s President, Gary Bensman, will both be on hand to discuss the project and answer questions.
After major funding ran out in fall 2017, wheel work continued as a result of donations from Trains readers contacted by direct mail. At the time, Bensman said a crew of 4-6 could finish the engine in six months if an additional $530,000 was raised. Work resumed in May after additional funding was secured, and the railroad continues to raise money for the project.
In a recent video blog post, Garner said newly profiled wheels for the locomotive will arrive soon and that boiler jacketing will go on next. He also said No. 1309’s remaining costs are around $300,000. Part of that will replace parts that were lost in a theft, and also a coal storage and ashpit areas at the shop in Ridgeley, W.Va. He said the railroad is creating a 1309 club and will release information about it soon. For more information, or to make a donation, go to www.wmsr.com.
Wow first 4-0-0-2 I’ve ever seen.