Probably I am the last to find out about this, but attached is a short piece from the current TRAINS magazine on-line newsletter. I am certain the residents of Nelsonville, Ohio, will be thrilled with this locomotive GS Restoration group acquires Frisco 2-8-2 Published: January 18, 2012 COLUMBUS, Ohio – The non-profit American Steam Railroad Preservation Association has completed the purchase of St. Louis-San Francisco (Frisco) 2-8-2 No. 1352. American Locomotive Co. built the locomotive in 1912 as a 2-8-0; Frisco rebuilt it in June 1944 into a 2-8-2. In 1956 the engine was placed on display in a Kansas City, Mo., park. It was later removed from the park and was the subject of an abortive restoration effort. The Mikado was eventually moved to Taylorville, Ill., where it is currently stored. The Columbus-based American Steam Railroad Preservation Association was founded in 2005. The group plans to bring 1352’s smaller parts such as the air compressor and power reverse to Ohio to begin restoration work on them. The organization hopes to raise the money required by St. Louis’ Skyview Crane and Rigging to move 1352 to Ohio. The Association said it plans to initially operate a restored 1352 on the 12-mile Hocking Valley Scenic Railroad at Nelsonville, Ohio. Several events are planned to help raise money for the restoration including a Father’s Day train and a Civil War reenactment train. For more information go to www.americansteamrailroad.org.
The locomotive was on display not far from the MP-SLSF swope park line is Kansas City, MO. I saw it many times as a kid, and took many pictures of it in later years. Frisco, for it's size, put more locomotive on display than many other railroads, but the sad thing about it is none of them were Frisco home grown, ie, 4300 and 4400's.
If one examines the Frisco ETT’s, immediately post-Feb 1952, one will note that the Frisco retained approximately 46 locomotives for “stand-by” service. Of these 46, a handful kept their inspection certificates current. The stand-by locomotives included engines from the 1500 class, the 4200 class, all of the 4500 class, and the still-active 3749. Of course, there were scores of other steam locomotives, which had been stricken from the roster and stored in dead-lines. The Frisco donated to communities and museums 15 locomotives. It seems obvious that the Frisco would donate examples from the 1500 class and the 4500 class, since these represented the hallmarks of Frisco steam, and since these locomotives were part of the “stand-by” class, i.e. these locomotives would cost less for the Frisco to prep cosmetically. The selection of the two USRA Mikados to Birmingham and Ft Smith might be justified since 4018 was the last locomotive in service, and since the 4000 class locomotives were the largest to enter Ft Smith. The selection of the three 1350 class locomotives for donation is a puzzle. Given the scores of locomotives rusting in the dead-lines, why these? Of the some 25 locomotives of the Frisco Diaspora, it is unfortunate, that none of the 4300 class or 4400 class survived to bear testament to the efforts of the West Shops. However, I would argue that the1351, 1352, and 1355 are indeed representatives of the best of the West Shops, and I am very pleased to see that the possibility exists for the 1352 to once again feel fire on her grates.
Would have loved to see a 4300,4400 and a 1060 saved. I'm not sure why the three 1350s either. I built a model of one, but they are far from my favorite class.
Here is an update, in case anyone has an unsightly bulge in his bank account that needs to be removed (from TRAINS weekly newsletter). GS Frisco 2-8-2 move planned for next year, fundraising underway Published: October 16, 2013 CLEVELAND, Ohio – The American Steam Railroad Preservation Association, which plans to restore St. Louis-San Francisco 2-8-2 No. 1352, says it has completed an extensive study to return the Mikado to operating condition. The total budget for the restoration would be $1.6 million. If restored, No. 1352 would be the only operating Frisco 2-8-2. Alco built No. 1352 in 1912, and Frisco retired it in 1952. For several years the engine was on display at Swope Park in Kansas City, Mo. After several years of neglect the city was going to scrap it but the Smoky Hill Railway & Historical Society put together a campaign to save it, and the engine was moved from Swope Park to Parkville, Mo. Eventually it was purchased by Ted Lehman who moved it to Taylorville, Ill. The association purchased it in 2008. The association says it will launch a website in the coming weeks, “Steam Up 1352,” to highlight its effort and spotlight Frisco steam power. Association President Steven M. Harvey says that six volunteers from group recently went to the site in Taylorville, to clear brush away from all tracks to ready 1352 for movement. A total of 15 large and 20 small trees were cut away so track inspections could take place. The group’s first funding goal is to raise enough money to move the engine out of Illinois by June 2014 to a new home at the ex-Baltimore & Ohio roundhouse in Cleveland. For more information, go to www.americansteamrailroad.org.
Hello Everyone, So many web sites to update I forget at times which ones have received the update. So here is what is happening so far with #1352. If you would like to see updates of what has been going on please see our Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/americansteam Work session was done in Taylorville, IL in Oct 2013 to clear out the jungle of trees that is keeping #1352 from being moved from the engine house to siding track outside the fence. Six people in 3 days cleared out over 2 full size dump trucks of brush, trees and other items in the property to open up the right away. The City of Taylorville, IL was very gracious to allow us to have an operator come out and remove all of the brush with there Dump Trucks and CAT Front loader. Over the winter we have moved the cross compound air compressor and power reverse to the round house to begin the rebuild process with them. We have gather up all of the parts for the rebuild and hopefully when spring arrives we can get them out of storage with the forklift to start overhaul of the appliances. Coming up in May 2014 will be the next work session for 1352 in Taylorville, IL. The ASR track gang will be installing gage bars in the track to make sure when 1352 comes out of the engine house that no ill affects of spreading rail will occur. During the same weekend the engine crew will be polishing bearing surfaces, shooting rods and getting the engine and tender ready for movement to the front of property. This will setup 1352 for a good power wash and also the next phase of track work to get her outside of the gates and on the siding where the lifting will be done for her move to Ohio via railroad flat car. So when will this move occur you might ask? We are in full swing of raising the money for the cranes and riggers for both ends of the lift and this where the dollars have to be raised to make it happen. All of the quotes are in and I'm going to share them below just so everyone can see the numbers. It will take about 2 to 3 days on each side due to the needed setup time for the cranes to get going and the proper tie down for the railroad. All of these numbers have been vetted by industry professionals and we have been told the numbers are right on considering the type of move we are doing and the type of heavy lifting needed for a locomotive of this size. Moving it on its own wheels could not be done due to issues found with a wheel set having a high flang on the drivers and due to the distance of the move the railroad was concerned about any issues that might come up. There is no way of skinning this cat any smaller in the dollar side unless there is crane company that would like to donate there time and effort on both sides. So this is where we are at with the project for Phase I of 4. We are ready at the roundhouse for the arrival of #1352 but now its down to dollar the dollars amount to make it happen. Thank you for your interest in the 1352 project. Best Regards, Steven M Harvey President American Steam Railroad Frisco Mike #1352 Taylorville, IL Up, Up and Away Riggers - 11,500.00 Cranes - 26,115.00 (going rate for IL, IN and MO) for crane companies for this type of move. Shipping via Norfolk Southern to Cleveland Ohio. - 18,500.00 Total to leave Taylorville - $56,115.00 Cleveland side - Arriving Home Riggers - 10,300.00 Cranes - 17,440.00 (going rate for Ohio) for crane companies for this type of move. Total for arrival in Cleveland - $27,740.00 Total Move Cost - $83,855.00 Plus 10% Cushion for any over runs - $8,385.50 Grand total: $92,240.50 When the steamup1352.org site gets finished this number will be rounded up to 100K. Any proceeds not used during the move will be move to the next Phase which is the boiler rebuild phase.
Yeah moving a steam engine is a massive undertaking, how much money do you guys already have in place to put forward on the cost of the move? Where is the $1.6 M coming from to return her to steam? Would be great if the Fed. Govt would finance these steam restorations instead of sending so much money around the gobe !
Currently 25K is in place just sitting making a little interest while the rest comes in for the move. I have been to enough shows, speaking engagements and people will say "good luck" "they'll never make it as they only have 25K in the bank" or that is quite a under taking. Do not want to seem rude but I feel pretty good that a group that started with zero has managed to purchase the locomotive without government funds, acquired a place to do the rebuild and has raise 25K without having to ask the feds for a dime. Sad to say in order for this to get done we'll have to start knocking on doors for grants and some public money. Our group has always tried the private donation route first or fundraising it on our own as we always felt that we would like to see who would be willing to step up as a private donor to help us out. Sorry if this seems to people that I'm on my soap box but as a younger person running the show I'm very concerned that our government bank account is broke and the only way we'll see this continue is if we can all change our minds that your $20.00 bucks does count. So getting back to the questions at hand. We have broken this into phases with the total cost with the move is 1.6 million. Our group has found that saying the overall cost is 1.6 million but we are working on the move phase which is 100K seems easier to swallow as most people have purchased a house in there life time that reaches that 100K mark or can say they have seen a luxury car that had a 100K sticker price on it. I'm not trying to dodge the question about the break down of the numbers on this board but part of the steamup1352.org site will have the break down of the numbers here shortly. If you're looking for line items numbers I can say that will not be there. As a example, we will not know what the true price of the boiler tubes will be till you place the order but can say the range is between 18,000 to 20,000 base on other orders placed in the past. Unfortunately with steam locomotives some of the cost really never appears till you get it tore down but the 1.6 million does represent the worse case possible with 1352. So if you would like to make a donation you can do it online at the Web Site below or send your donation in the mail to the following address below. Hope you'll consider supporting us as we defiantly would like to see 1352 run in the near future. http://www.americansteamrailroad.org/online-donation.aspx Check or Money Order can be made out too. American Steam Railroad Attn: Project 1352 3869 Highland Bluff Drive Groveport, Ohio 43125 Best Regards, Steven M Harvey President American Steam Railroad Frisco Mike #1352
Of course the Gov. wont be donating to the project, I was just saying that it would be nice if some of the dollars dolled out over the globe would be put to use for Historical restorations like this. Im happy that you have some donations gathered up and hope to see you guys get the rest of the money very soon. If you were closer to Oklahoma I would be active participant and a donor, its just not feasible for me to participate when Im this far away. I would love to restore and operate a steam locomotive (especially an SLSF) but I do not have a place to operate it and I do not want to part with the amount of money required for a project of that magnitude. I can however afford to restore and operate an SLSF caboose so that's what I am doing now, and the cost is more than one would think from start to finish when you consider truck rebuilds and new glass, paint, etc. I think your wise to take steps as you are doing, gathering up the money for the move and then focusing on the restoration when you get her home. 1352 may not be the most graceful looking locomotive but its still easy to appreciate her for what she is and it will be an awesome event watching her move under her own power. I wish you the best of luck and look forward to seeing updates.
Paul I would have to agree with you there. Also again thank you for your recent donation to the group. You should be receiving your shirt in the next 2 to 3 weeks in the mail. Thanks!! Steven Harvey
Hello Everyone, Our group has access to a foundry who can pour either aluminum or bronze 1352 number plates. We have taken the time to have professional pattern maker make a new pattern for the coonskin background and the number plate itself just like the one cast in the headlight mount for 1352. So the question is who would be interested in a replica plated based on price of coarse to support the rebuild of 1352. If you would like to be added to the list please PM here and you'll be contacted when we have a firm price and know if we have enough for the run. We are looking at doing this about two months from now based on the production schedule from the foundry. Best Regards, Steven M Harvey President American Steam Railroad Frisco Mike #1352
Here is few ways you can help bring 1352 to Cleveland Ohio for Restoration and a quick progress update. 1. We are still taking orders for a replica number plates and still need about 10 more folks to make the order. If you wondering what they look like when there done here is link to see the final product. If you would like to be part of the order please PM here so I can add you to the list. https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs070/1102801309866/img/26.jpg 2. We have recently signed up for the Amazon Smile program. If you shop at Amazon and make us your charity of choice every time you shop we get a percentage of the sale as a donation to 1352. Its just the simple to help restore a locomotive by sponsoring us on Amazon. http://smile.amazon.com/ch/20-4469430 3. The count down is on with a few weeks go before 1352 will be moved out side after being indoors for 15 years. This is a major mile stone for the group and this will bring us to the next step in making 1352 ready for the lift and move. So please consider making a small donation to the relocation fund as the link below. http://www.americansteamrailroad.org...-donation.aspx Check or Money Order can be made out too. American Steam Railroad Attn: Project 1352 3869 Highland Bluff Drive Groveport, Ohio 43125 Best Regards, Steven M Harvey President American Steam Railroad Frisco Mike #1352
The plate is full size and was made by a professional pattern maker. It's replicated from the original that I have sitting at home. Thanks!! Steven Harvey
Steven, I don't see anything about a price for the plate. Just got a picture and couldn't find anything on the ASR site.
Please PM me your information. I'm just gathering up people who are interested in the plates. Once I have 12 people I can call the foundry to get a price for them and let you know at that time if you want to go ahead with it. Steven Harvey
Update on 1352 and its work session from May 2014. As people have posted pictures from when she was still in the engine house that is no longer the case. Both the locomotive and Tender have been moved forward at the end of May waiting at the gate for the railroad flat cars. The iron horse is ready for her new career and needs your help. This project in 6 months has made serious progress and now is at the point where a donation or two can keep the momentum going. I'll state our need is 100K to move her to Ohio and so far 27K is sitting collecting interest and that is up 2K from the last post. As I have list below in previous post the next phase is to bring her home Ohio. We recent had help from a few folks who currently are working on the 4501. Mr Hall has confirmed that 1352 boiler is in good shape and well enough that if enough volunteers were gathered in Central Illinois for a work session we could knock out its ultra sound before moving it to Ohio. I know it seems like people are cautious in today's world about making a large donation but clearly our group is now in full swing and the next phase is the lift in move. I'm always open to suggestions and if there is something that you need to know before making a donation please feel free to PM me on this board. Photos by Steven Harvey from May Work Session 2014 So if you would like to make a donation you can do it online at the Web Site below or send your donation in the mail to the following address below. Hope you'll consider supporting us as we defiantly would like to see 1352 run in the near future. http://www.americansteamrailroad.org...-donation.aspx Check or Money Order can be made out too. American Steam Railroad Attn: Project 1352 3869 Highland Bluff Drive Groveport, Ohio 43125 Best Regards, Steven M Harvey President American Steam Railroad Frisco Mike #1352
You should make a rubber mold of the original number plate and cast them in resin or make a pattern from the mold. Also, the numbers and border aren't white, they are painted aluminum or silver. Otherwise it looks good.
Don, Thank you for the correction. The plate cast into the headlight stand was painted red and white so that is how it came about with the test pour. We also had a professional pattern maker a copy of the number plate that was cast in the headlight stand. So the one people will be getting came from the one on the locomotive. It was made from making a mold and then making pattern that can be used at the foundry. Thanks! Steven Harvey
