Engine 557 Restoration Company
Progress Report December 2022

Why the weather report introduction each month? We all have weather events that impact our projects so we have this in common. Going into December a system started dumping snow about every third day with 50 inches accumulation in spots. Sub zero temperatures to -24° were recorded. Then on December 22nd wind started to blow with gusts to 80 mph and did not subside until December 27th at the 557 Engine House. Now there is bare ground from sublimation and wind scour leaving 6 foot high drifts as hard as concrete. Our Case 721 loader went into service with operator Ron Dudley cleaning up the first snowzilla and raising the snow dump to 10 feet. Then the second snowzilla hit. Michael Bridges is also an operator and got the chore of breaking the hard pack drifts at sunrise (10:00 a.m.) on December 26 and adding to the growing snow dump. Our thanks to the crew for keeping access open.

The Alaska Railroad Wasilla section house is just West of us and they borrow our loader when their truck mounted plows cannot handle the job.

We are always optimistic here at 557. Spring is just around the corner because on December 23rd the daylight started expanding.

Your help is needed to complete our air supply on 557. Needed are two Graham White 824-131 Centrifugal Air filters. All we need are serviceable used units or cores. If you have one or two available or can provide a lead where we would find a source we appreciate your help. We would like pneumatic bottom mount drain valves but we can convert from electric if needed. To the first successful lead, we will reward you with a Numbered and signed copy of Engine 557 returning!

In preparation for MU operations additional air plumbing is going forward to the pilot. Main Reservoir, Actuator, and Independent air lines are laid out across the pilot with valves at the rear. The large holes in the deck are for access to the check valves in the bottom of the air pump which will hang overhead. The brake air line hoses and glad-hands can be tucked behind the pilot and be protected when not in use.

Terry Douglas continues restoration on the Five Tube mechanical lubricators for the Air Pump. One and a spare is the goal for most of these appliances. With the help of machinist, Lavern Buller manufacturing new pieces Terry has two units coming together.

As reported earlier we subjected the valve rod guides and position to a lot of study to try and determine the cause for some odd wear in the "as delivered" assembly. Jeff DeBroeck lead the crew of Jerry Cunnington, Terry Douglas and Tom Walker in this investigation.

After a careful study of all the valve cross head guide components and drawings a solution was agreed on. Conclusion was that the left valve cover guide casting was machined with an offset from the center line by 3/8 of an inch. 557 was involved in mishaps from time to time but no records of damage or replacement of these components exist.

Decision was made to reposition the four holes in the casting to correctly align the guide. The casting was preheated, welded and then Terry drilled the newly relocated holes and machined the base for the fasteners. Then they used the shaper to square up the worn surface of the crosshead guides. Terry and Tom then trial fit the crosshead in the guides. After this trial fitting the next step will be installing new brass liners in the guides.

We were missing one of the hose connections to the injector water delivery and when we obtained a used one it was badly corroded as shown at the left of this photo. We had one good bronze fitting and we decided to manufacture bronze replacements. Michael Bridges took on this project as an apprentice to our local foundry man Patrick Garley at Arctic Fires Bronze. There are several steps in the investment casting process, one is creating the wax patterns 10% larger than the original to allow for shrinkage. Then sprues and vents are added before being encased in the investment medium. Pat made the pour and shortly followed up by revealing the raw castings. Mike then built a fixture to turn the raw castings in his lathe at home. The finished product has been installed and we have a spare.

What others say: Yes your comments are always welcome.

TRAINS MAGAZINE January 2023 issue features the 557 starting on Page 42. They have quite a bit to say. They also are planning an Alaska Railroad tour for the fall and will be at the 557 engine house on Sept 17, 2022.

Dan and Ruth Pechota of Palmer, “We are happy to help the 557 cause and look forward to its completion. We also feel fortunate to know you and some of the other people involved in the restoration. Your dedication is remarkable.”

Reginald Mitchell of Arlington, VA, made this observation and comment, “I figure when the project's principals are donating their own money, my additions will also be spent wisely.”

Lee Rice after his second visit. “Thank you so very much for your time last week . My VIP visitor was able to meet the folks at The Alaska Railroad but the road conditions were so bad last Wednesday we were late getting back to Wasilla. Parker Hannifin hosts a distributor conference in June and I hope to bring Marc to see you and the 557 this summer. Patrick, the workmanship that you and your guys have achieved here is miraculous and reminds me of the industrial service, dedication and effort that many of our families made in contribution and sacrifice for this Great Nation of ours in 1941.
What a treat it was to see you again and the 557 as it nears its historical reintroduction to fans and admirers worldwide.
Best always,
Lee J. Rice | Fluid Power Territory Manager
Parker Hannifin Corporation | Fluid Power Sales

Karen Holm Rimple of Moses Lake, Washington; “I am Monte Holm’s daughter! He loved the 557 so much! He was so proud to own her!!!! So many wonderful memories!!!!”

Terry Stefani of Palmer and San Diego, “I recently visited the Engine 557 Restoration Company and observed the work on the AK 557 steam locomotive and tender. The dedication of the crew was amazing, and it shows in their knowledge and work. As a retired UPRR Engineer, former board member of the Tourist Railroad Association (TRAIN) and operation manager of the excursion railroad (SSRR) for the California State Railroad Museum, I have seen many rebuilds/restorations. This has to be one of the best, a true quality restoration. I have no doubts this locomotive will please the railroad community and run for many years.”

And finally from 557 Secretary, Dick Morris comes this good news. “Fund Raising Campaign status – The 2022 campaign is nearing completion. We want to express special thanks to two financial supporters for increasing the initial $10,000 matching challenge to $22,500. Thank you to all who have contributed and caused these matching funds to be released for use - you have brought us to within $2,000 of retiring the challenge grants. When the remaining $2,000 has been received, individual contributions, matching grant funds, and major contributions from several contributors will have brought Engine 557 $85,000 closer to operation. Despite the annual campaign being nearly finished, we encourage, welcome, and need contributions throughout the year. Thank You!”

Some of our donor support by mail has yet to come in, but if you intended to support our year-end campaign online, please help us bridge this gap and make your gift in any amount today.

I am ever thankful for the generosity of our family of donors, both large and small. Along with our dedicated Volunteer Mechanical Department and our many In-kind-donors in the business community, these three legs of support keep 577 restoration moving forward.

Patrick J. Durand, President  

 

Patrick J. Durand
President Engine 557 Restoration Company

 

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