"Forge Ahead: Bringing Steam Back to Life"
A $1.5 Million Capital Campaign to Build America's Next Great Locomotive
The Pennsylvania Railroad T1 Trust is thrilled to announce the official launch of Forge Ahead, our 2025 capital campaign to raise $1.5 million and bring the vision of PRR T1 No. 5550 another giant step closer to reality.
We’ve already raised an incredible $625,000 in 2025—thanks to the passion and dedication of our supporters—but we still need to raise $875,000 this year to reach a pivotal milestone in building the first brand-new mainline steam locomotive in the United States since 1950.
This is not just a capital campaign. It’s a movement. A moment. A chance to make history together.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The PRR T1 wasn’t just any steam locomotive. It was a revolutionary design—a marvel of engineering that blended speed, power, and beauty with the elegant lines of Art Deco industrial design. With its 4-4-4-4 wheel arrangement and futuristic Poppet Valve system, the T1 pushed the limits of steam technology.
But none of the original 52 locomotives survived.
That’s why we set out to do what many thought was impossible—build one from scratch.
And today, thanks to the tireless work of our volunteers, engineers, and donors, that vision is alive and in motion. Frame complete. Driving wheels Cast. Massive components fabricated. And now, we are entering the most transformative phase yet.
OUR 2025 GOALS
This campaign will fund four critical phases of construction:
Complete the Boiler
The boiler is the heart of the locomotive. We’ve already fabricated major sections. With this campaign, we can finish and unite these components, bringing the engine to life.
Restore the Original PRR Tender
Locomotive No. 5550 will be paired with a fully restored original PRR coast-to-coast tender (#1940s era), bringing authenticity and historic grandeur to the final train set.
Finish Cylinder Work on the Frame
The T1’s iconic poppet-valve cylinders—the very technology that made it so advanced—are already in process. This campaign will fully fund their completion and mounting.
Acquire all of the Roller Bearings from Timken
Smooth Rolling – The T1 Trust is at a point to start looking at pointing the locomotive on its wheels. As we wrap up the frame and boiler, we need to turn our attention to the drive wheels and side rods. We want to order all of the custom roller bearings from Timken this year.
A HOME FOR THE T1
This year marks another turning point in our journey:
We are proud to announce that the T1 Trust has selected Dennison, Ohio as the final assembly location for PRR T1 No. 5550.
In partnership with the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, the locomotive will be assembled and displayed in a new railcar restoration facility currently being built in Dennison, giving the public the opportunity to witness this historic achievement firsthand.
The story of the T1 will now unfold in a place where rail heritage is not just remembered—it’s celebrated. The Pennsylvania Railroad built 75 steam locomotives in Dennison from 1873-1897. Dennison will be the home of one more steam locomotive build. Dennison also saw dozens on T1 steam locomotive pass through everyday going between Pittsburgh and St. Louis. It is a fitting location to write history.
JOIN US – BE A PART OF HISTORY
We invite you to be more than just a spectator. Be a builder. Be a believer. Be a part of one of the most exciting preservation projects in the world today.
Whether you give $50 or $50,000, your support moves steel, welds dreams, and brings steam roaring back to life.
This is your chance to put your name behind history.
WAYS TO GIVE
- One-Time Contributions: Make a direct impact today.
- Monthly Builder’s Club: Join our recurring donor circle to fund the project in steady, meaningful steps.
- Sponsorships & Naming Rights: Sponsor a specific part of the locomotive and be etched into rail history forever.
- Legacy Giving: Leave a lasting legacy through estate or memorial gifts.
Or mail a check to:
PRR T1 Trust
P.O. Box 102
Dennison, OH 44663
Let’s Forge Ahead—Together.
Let’s make history in steel, steam, and story.