Gentle Forum Members,
I apologize for any confusion. To comply with the new rules of the "O Gauge Railroading" on-line forum, we are posting announcements for RMLI Collectible Cars in the "For Sale" thread of "Miscellaneous Forums." You may see the posting for the "Steam Up LIRR 39" made in America boxcar here:
https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/t...01#50704664806567001
Currently, the Railroad Museum of Long Island is in a fifteen year contract with the Strasburg Rail Road Company to raise $1,094,000.00 to restore LIRR Steam Locomotive 39. Once the Museum's share of the cost is raised, the Strasburg will complete the restoration in a three year period. Once operational, the Strasburg will lease the locomotive from the RMLI for a period of forty-eight years with the option to renew. Since March 2013, the RMLI has raised $165,811.00 and fundraising continues. Strasburg Rail Road Company has pledged $1,321,086.00 to the restoration effort. This is a $2.4 million dollar project.
You can follow the progress of LIRR Engine 39 on our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/SteamUpLIRR39/?fref=ts
At this point all of our efforts are focused on fundraising. We are continually seeking prospective granting foundations and organizations and applying for support. We have merchandise that we sell in our Museum gift shops and at shows that specifically benefit the restoration fund. The Lionel Collectible Car is our latest offering. Members of the Pennsylvania Railroad Technical & Historical Society and its Chapters; and members of the National Railway Historical Society have continued to make generous donations to the restoration fund. A newly formed PRRT&HS Long Island Chapter is focusing on support for both the LIRR #39 and the LIRR #35 locomotives.
From a technical standpoint, the LIRR G5s Steam Locomotive 39 was last surveyed for restoration in 2009. It was deemed in excellent condition for restoration to operation and an updated "scope of work" was created. You may view that "scope of work," restoration agreement and lease on the RMLI website here:
http://www.rmli.us/RMLI/Documents.html
In 2008 the locomotive's boiler/firebox was transferred to Strasburg Rail Road Company from the contractor on Long Island who had started restoration work in 2005. Strasburg, with the latest FRA data coming from the PRR K4s #1361 restoration at Steamtown USA, re-engineered our firebox to comply with current FRA operating safety standards. They constructed a new roof sheet/side sheets assembly and our firebox is now FRA safety rated. All new staybolts, flexible staybolts, staybolt sleeves, caps and rings have been fabricated. New firebox supports and a new crown sheet have been made and are in storage with the boiler/firebox at Strasburg - all awaiting the cash to be put together! At Riverhead the restored tender awaits transport to Strasburg. The drive wheels have been re-tired and the pilot truck and two tender trucks have been converted to roller bearing axles from their original PRR friction bearings.
Since 1980 allot of good restoration work has been accomplished on this locomotive. With the passing of time, FRA regulations have changed, costs have increased, the original founders of the 39 restoration project have moved on to be replaced by the Railroad Museum of Long Island. Geographically, all the remnants of steam railroading on Long Island have disappeared. There are no more coaling towers, no more water towers, no more turntables at Greenport and Riverhead to turn the engine. All of the old hands who worked on #39 at the LIRR have either moved off Long Island or come of an age where they can not work on her . . . . . . or passed on the "Westbound!" Along with the Engine Shops necessary to maintain a steam locomotive, we have lost our knowledge base and skilled steam labor on Long Island. A steam locomotive like LIRR G5s #39 needs to RUN and be MAINTAINED to live and tell the history of railroading on Long Island and throughout the greater Pennsylvania Railroad territory. By partnering with the Strasburg Rail Road Company, the Trustees of the Railroad Museum of Long Island are assuring the survival, maintenance, and operation of a historic class of steam locomotive that served the people of the State of New York, specifically Long Islanders, for future generations to experience, come to know and enjoy. Your interest and support is appreciated and welcomed.
Thank you,
Don Fisher, President
Railroad Museum of Long Island
