How do you begin to rebuild the Spirit of Altoona? Join Wolf Fengler, Vice President of Engineering for FMW Solutions, on a tour of the boiler and Belpaire firebox of Pennsylvania Railroad steam locomotive no. 1361 at the Railroaders Memorial Museum in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Learn what we've discovered about the locomotive’s current condition and our process to assess past work on this historic machine.

For more information, visit https://www.fmwsolutions.com/newsroom.... To learn more about the project or to support the museum with donations or memberships, visit https://www.railroadcity.org/1361.html.

Vintage and historic footage courtesy of the Railroaders Memorial Museum.

HISTORY

For the past 30 years, the K4-type locomotive has been disassembled, partially restored, but unfinished. In 2019, FMW Solutions performed a comprehensive inspection of No. 1361, including a full review of all past work performed, and a full engineering study of the integrity and repairability of the locomotive boiler. This six-month process included engineering calculations and reporting, 3D modeling, non-destructive spectrometer, radiograph, and ultrasonic thickness tests, rivet material review, visual inspections, and consultation with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). 

FMW has determined that much of the boiler’s firebox will need to be replaced with new steel. FMW’s findings and repair procedures have been reviewed and accepted by the FRA. The repairs will allow the original Belpaire boiler design to be preserved while being brought up to contemporary safety standards.

Projections indicate the restoration, which will include repair of the boiler, appliances, frame, spring and brake rigging, drivers and running gear, and test runs will cost in excess of $2 million dollars. Initial fundraising efforts are being led by railroad preservation advocates Bennett Levin and former Norfolk Southern and Amtrak CEO Wick Moorman.

Among other rail preservation efforts, FMW is currently assisting with the rebuilding of Nashville, Chattanooga, & St. Louis steam locomotive No. 576; recently completed the restoration of U.S. Sugar No. 148; and is undertaking the relocation and eventual rebuilding of Atlantic Coast Line No. 1504. For more on FMW Solutions, to request a quote, or to explore opportunities for your railroad operation, visit fmwsolutions.com.

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