Dear Friends of the PRR T1 #5550,
The T1 Trust is excited to be launching the Frame Club!
It’s time for our project to enter a new phase: the construction phase of the welded locomotive frame for what will eventually become Pennsylvania Railroad T1 No. 5550. This will be the single biggest, most complicated, and most challenging fundraising effort yet in the 9-year history of this project.
The final phase of the frame engineering is complete and we are ready to start cutting steel and welding. We have identified two capable frame construction companies. Our mechanical committee members have selected a contractor that is best fit for the PRR T1 Trust.
The total design and engineering phase of the Frame was $140,000. We have raised those funds and completed this phase. Early estimates for the frame construction were around $900,000. We met with several structure fabrication shops and have actual quotes now closer to $350,000. This was a nice surprise as we expected costs to go up and not down. (We definitely didn’t expect it to be a third)
We need your help to meet these goals. No one person is funding this project, but rather thousands of railroad fans just like yourself. Contributions can be made in any amount. You can set pledges up on a monthly recurring charge for whatever best suits your preference. For example, $250 for 10 months will become a $2,500 donation!
All contributions over $1000 will receive all the benefits of the founders club. Contributions over $5,000 will get their name engraved in the frame Contributions over $25,000 will receive their name engraved in the frame as well as a cast Bronze #5550 Number Plate.
We look forward to making this huge milestone with your help!
Brad