5550 Boiler Construction Fund $100

The PRR T1 Trust is announcing the order of the first and second boiler course for new build 4-4-4-4 #5550. The order was placed with Continental Fabricators out of St. Louis, MO on January 26, 2018. This is a major milestone, as the boiler courses represent the largest parts yet built for the iconic streamlined duplex locomotive. The 2 sections are over 93” in diameter and nearly 12 feet long. The boiler code steel is 1” thick and weighs over 12,000lbs. All welds will be x-rayed to ensure perfect seams. The sections will 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 working on 3 other steam locomotive boilers in conjunction with Diversified Rail Services. They [****CONTINENTAL AND DIVERSIFIED BOTH?****] have been providing boiler repair to the steam locomotive industries since the 1980’s.

The PRR T1 Trust boiler engineering team lead by Wolf Fengler Vice President of FMW[****…WE NEED TO SPELL OUT THE ACRONYM…****] Solutions has completed the engineering on the boiler courses and is currently finalizing firebox calculation to meet and exceed current ASME regulations. He 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 steam ahead, your support is needed now more than ever to maintain momentum. We would like to challenge our members and friends to raise the $25,000 necessary to complete the third and final cylindrical boiler section. The goal is to have donations pledged by April 15. If funds can be pledged by then, we can have 25,000lbs of boiler complete by this Summer. Our goals move at the speed of funding raised by supporters.

If you would like to help the T1 Trust succeed, please consider making a contribution now in support of the Boiler. With your help, It Can Be Done!

Photo by Gary Bensman, Diversified Rail Services

Photo shows Continental Fabricators rolling a large 16ft diameter plate for another customer showing their capabilities.