SCRANTON, Pa. — The Steamtown National Historic Site has received what it terms as “a generous donation” from the estate of rail enthusiast Eric J. Yankovich to help fund the restoration of SW1 locomotive No. 1901, an Atlantic Coast Line diesel switcher build by Electro-Motive Corp. in 1939.
Steamtown is one of six railroad museums to receive funds from the Yankovich estate.
“On behalf of the National Park Service, I would like to thank the family of Mr. Yankovich for his generosity and support of these treasured and historic places,” Steamtown Superintendent Cherie Shepherd said in a press release. “I’d also like to thank the Iron Horse Society for helping fulfill Mr. Yankovich’s wishes and facilitating the transfer of funds to the park for this important restoration work.”
Yankovich, who graduated from Drexel University with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, went on to an engineering position with the U.S. Navy, continuing his studies and receiving a master’s degree in engineering and becoming a licensed professional engineer. He eventually left the Navy and formed a structural analytics consulting firm that he managed until retirement.
McHugh Locomotive & Equipment has received a contract for the restoration, which is expected to be complete by the end of 2025. The locomotive will be used for switching at the historic site and may be used for short-distance passenger rides at Steamtown’s rail yard.
The Iron Horse Society, the park’s philanthropic partner, has selected a Lehigh Valley Railroad paint scheme for the project.
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