09-04-2016, 05:19 PM
Well Mr. Nutbar, The 47 is slated to return to service, but there is no timeframe set for that work. It could be years before anything is done. Her boiler was up for a rebuild when she was taken out of service, but was operating up till that time. There are paperwork issues of some kind with that engine, I don't know what they are and don't want to spread false rumors.
The National Park Service is now looking into using contractors to do some of the restoration work, as the contractors bid on the jobs, they give a set price for the work. This helps to control the costs of the restoration. Steamtown operates on a shoestring budget and is severely understaffed , especially in the restoration department. At one time each department in the restoration shop had at least a dozen people working it. Now there are less than that restoring and maintaining all the equipment in the park. Without the volunteers putting in whatever time they can, it would be a museum of static displays.
The National Park Service is now looking into using contractors to do some of the restoration work, as the contractors bid on the jobs, they give a set price for the work. This helps to control the costs of the restoration. Steamtown operates on a shoestring budget and is severely understaffed , especially in the restoration department. At one time each department in the restoration shop had at least a dozen people working it. Now there are less than that restoring and maintaining all the equipment in the park. Without the volunteers putting in whatever time they can, it would be a museum of static displays.
My other car is a locomotive, ARHS restoration crew