Help the T1 Trust Build Steam! The Pennsylvania Railroad T1 Steam Locomotive Trust is excited to announce the purchase order for the first three boiler courses of new build 4-4-4-4 #5550. The order for the third and final cylindrical course was placed with Continental Fabricators, Inc. of St. Louis, MO on May 5, 2018. This is a major milestone, as the boiler courses represent the largest parts yet built for the iconic streamlined duplex locomotive. The three sections are over 93” in diameter and nearly 20 feet long. The boiler code steel is 1” thick and weighs over 25,000lbs. All welds are x-rayed to ensure perfect seams. The boiler sections include wash out plugs and openings for water delivery.

The PRR T1 Trust is pleased to partner with Continental Fabricators. A strong player in Railway Preservation, Continental Fabricators is presently working on 3 other steam locomotive boiler projects. Continental Fabricators has been providing boiler repairs and new construction to steam locomotive preservation efforts since the 1980’s.

The PRR T1 Trust boiler engineering team lead by Wolf Fengler, continues engineering work on the intricate throat sheet and Belpaire firebox to meet and exceed current ASME regulations. Mr. Fengler is assisted by T1 Trust Engineering Committee members Gary Bensman, Dave Griner, Scott McGill and Jason Johnson.

With the plan to manufacture the boiler moving full speed ahead, your support is needed now more than ever to maintain momentum. We would like to introduce to our members the 5550 Boiler Club…

Help us bring 5550 to life, and let the T1 once again grace American Rails! With your help, It Can Be Done!