This weekend Ryan finished the short hood floor in 1741 so
we can reinstall a toilet . The floor will be sanded and painted. Some touch up
paint work was done to the locomotive to make sure it’s accurate to the
original. The horns were reinstalled and tested, number 3 traction motor cables
finally re-secured and it’s getting closer to going out for a test run. Did a
different approach on the photos and hopefully everyone can see the
photos.
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The 470 Railroad Club is proud to announce our latest acquisition. The Mass Bay Transportation Authority has officially donated ex GP18 # 904 to the 470 Railroad Club. The locomotive was built in 1960, and started life as Grand Trunk Western # 4952. The locomotive was rebuilt for SEMTA as the 904 prior to being acquired by MBTA. The locomotive has been out of service for some time and has been vandalized. Initially the club was interested in this locomotive to have parts to maintain our F7s and GP9, however we look forward to partnering with the New Hampshire Northcoast Railroad to attempt to make this unit operational again. Please note, this locomotive is on private property and is not available for public access like our equipment in North Conway is at the time. Thank you for not trespassing , we will keep you up to date with work on 904 via our Facebook page. Thanks to the MBTA for this generous donation as well as CSX for donating the move!
Submitted by Cory Fothergill
Today (10/4/2024) the number 1 traction motor blower was
reinstalled and rewired on the 1741. The locomotive was brought outside to test
it. Some more paint modifications will be made before this locomotive is done.
At this point, the bathroom floor and toilet need to be installed, flooring
installed in the cab and cab heaters need to be connected then 1741 will be
ready to bluecard! All donations help keep this project moving forward and we
hope to have it ready for the fall trip! Also listed is the number one traction
motor blower.
Update from Cory Fothergill
Over the last several days more work was completed on 1741
to get her ready for our fall trip. Some cosmetic details were added such as
new builders plates , painted door gaskets , mirrors and newer glass. In the
sheet metal department Ryan has finished cleaning out the basement , removing
all the rotted metal that once supported the traction motor blowers duct-work
and assembly. The downstairs of the GP7/9s all suffer from years of rust and
rot from New England’s harsh weather. Ryan Fothergill has removed all of the
rotted metal right down to the frame and began building everything back up. In
another week the subfloor should be rebuilt, and lastly the bathroom floor will
be replaced for the toilet. Also in other news, wiring was reconnected to
factory standards to the front platform light, and years of excess wiring left
in dead conduit were all removed from under the cab to clean up the locomotive.
Cory Fothergill reported on September 22 that Jeff Conor is finishing painting the 1741. The final touches will be done in the next day or so. Wayne Allen and Cory Fothergill assisted throughout the weekend and several parts have been reinstalled. Thanks for all the support from donations and the Conway Scenic for helping restore 1741 from a dead locomotive to its original beauty!
After a long days work all exterior imperfections have been
addressed and the Jeff Connor from Railcar and Military Equipment Painting has
arrived to begin painting the 1741. Ryan finished welding in the nose, front
walkway, new drop step mount assembly and cab heater vent covers. Cory finished
cleaning up metal work and priming bare metal areas. Over the next several
weeks the locomotive will be sanded, steam cleaned, primed and painted into the
bluebird scheme. Highball Graphics will be working with Railcar and Military
Equipment Painting to bring 1741 back to its original appearance!
Update from Cory Fothergill
