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

 

1741 Ready to Paint

 

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

Labor Day Weekend Metal Work and Painting Update on 1741

Ryan & Cory Fothergill,  Wayne Allen worked several days this week in attempt to finish metal work. Side doors , front steps, flooring and sub flooring, and other body work has been completed at this time. The last item to complete before paint is welding on the front diamond plate walkway and new drop step. Our contractor for painting the 1741 arrives this week. Paint has been color matched, highball graphics has designed the lettering and logos for the locomotive as well. As always thanks for the support via comments or donations! We hope to have 1741 on the rails this fall!