So lets give this blog thing a shot shall we?
As many of you have heard the ACL 1504 was rewarded $20,000 for a cosmetic restoration by both the NRHS and CSX. The painting has yet to be done but during February an inspection was done by both the 1504 team and Diversified Rail Services, you may know them from the NKP 765 or most recently SOU 630 or 4501. The goal of the inspection was to find out how far the locomotive had deteriorated and how to move forward with the preservation after the cosmetics have been done. The inspection was primarily visual looking over the insides of the smokebox, steam done, both valveheads, and the firebox which additionally had an ultra sound done to check the sheet thickness. The inspection took two days (Delays provided by rain and visit from the SAL/ACL Society) and went over smoothly, the locomotive was ready and willing to open up. The locomotive is 99.9% intact parts wise, and is internally in great condition and has a very low (possibly even 0) mileage. Surprisingly water has not caused major issues inside of the engine, the tender on the other hand has nearly been destroyed by water ingression and dose not have long life outdoors. The boiler shell has been surviving the constant onslaught of Florida weather but the signs are obvious and need to be stopped before they progress further. Paint isn't going to save this locomotive but it's a start, we hope to gain enough support to one day be able to move this locomotive inside but we feel the that sky is the limit.
With the cosmetic work coming up (May 19-23) we are hoping to move even further with the preservation of this Florida icon and plan on great things.
For more information on the 1504 visit our Facebook page;
https://www.facebook.com/ACL1504
As many of you have heard the ACL 1504 was rewarded $20,000 for a cosmetic restoration by both the NRHS and CSX. The painting has yet to be done but during February an inspection was done by both the 1504 team and Diversified Rail Services, you may know them from the NKP 765 or most recently SOU 630 or 4501. The goal of the inspection was to find out how far the locomotive had deteriorated and how to move forward with the preservation after the cosmetics have been done. The inspection was primarily visual looking over the insides of the smokebox, steam done, both valveheads, and the firebox which additionally had an ultra sound done to check the sheet thickness. The inspection took two days (Delays provided by rain and visit from the SAL/ACL Society) and went over smoothly, the locomotive was ready and willing to open up. The locomotive is 99.9% intact parts wise, and is internally in great condition and has a very low (possibly even 0) mileage. Surprisingly water has not caused major issues inside of the engine, the tender on the other hand has nearly been destroyed by water ingression and dose not have long life outdoors. The boiler shell has been surviving the constant onslaught of Florida weather but the signs are obvious and need to be stopped before they progress further. Paint isn't going to save this locomotive but it's a start, we hope to gain enough support to one day be able to move this locomotive inside but we feel the that sky is the limit.
With the cosmetic work coming up (May 19-23) we are hoping to move even further with the preservation of this Florida icon and plan on great things.
For more information on the 1504 visit our Facebook page;
https://www.facebook.com/ACL1504