1741 Road Tested on the Explorer Train to Crawford Notch by Cory Fothergill

 

Sunday the 1741 was road tested on the Explorer Train to Crawford Notch. It provided power for the trip with no issues. It has been returned to the shop to finish some small odds and ends before the 470 Club Trip November 2. We look forward to all of our guests for a fun packed day. If you are free, purchase a ticket and help support the 470 Railroad Club. We will be using our equipment for the excursion and provide several photo run-by opportunities for riders. Photos provided by member Chuck Killian

1741 Update by Cory Fothergill - welding, painting, horns, and number 3 traction motor cables secured

 

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. 

GP-18 #904 donated to the 470 Railroad Club by the Mass Bay Transportation Authority

 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

1741 Moving Forward for the Fall Trip and getting ready to bluecard

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 

Getting 1741 Ready for our Fall Trip reported by Cory Fothergill on September 29, 2024

 

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.

 

1741 Painting Update on September 22

 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!

470 Railroad Club Ready for Cumberland Fair 2024