Join the Railroaders Memorial Museum and FMW Solutions to recap the colorful history of Pennsylvania Railroad steam locomotive No. 1361 and explore the engineering and restoration challenges in taking on the rebuild of the Spirit of Altoona. You can support the project by making a donation here.

The restoration of K4 1361 is a thirty-year undertaking that has seen multiple project managers, with considerable work completed. However, there is still much to be done. The latest boiler studies revealed some of the following:

(1) Some of the rivets used in the boiler were of the incorrect steel.
(2) The repair and subsequent re-repair of the main dome course needed further inspection.
(3) Some firebox repairs were completed with improperly sized materials. FMW Solutions has undertaken ultrasonic testing to further assess the boiler’s integrity. It was determined that the firebox area would require some of the project's most substantial repairs.

The square, Belpaire-style firebox with which K4 1361 was built was a key feature of PRR steam locomotives. The Pennsy designed the K4s with the ability to swap components between 400 different locomotive designs. FMW undertook both traditional and computational engineering analysis of the boiler in addition to building a 3D CAD model. Through modifying material thickness and staybolt size, FMW has engineered a solution that will preserve the original Belpaire boiler and return the locomotive to operation. Much of the firebox will be replaced with new steel—resulting in a safer and sturdier locomotive to last.

For a summary of our initial inspection and engineering report for the locomotive, click here.

Pere Marquette steam locomotive No. 1225 is undergoing some of the most extensive mechanical restoration work in over 70 years. Visit with leadership from the Steam Railroading Institute and FMW Solutions - Railroad Contractor Services to learn about the in-depth process of renewing the running gear of one of Central Michigan's beloved railroad attractions.

Vice President of Mechanical Shane Meador walks us through the condition of Pennsylvania Railroad steam locomotive no. 1361's frame at the Railroaders Memorial Museum in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Learn what we've discovered about the frame’s current condition and our expectations for future work on the Spirit of Altoona.

To learn more about the project or to support the museum with donations or memberships, visit www.railroadcity.org/1361. Vintage and historic footage courtesy of the Railroaders Memorial Museum.

To learn more about our work on the K4, click here.

HISTORY

For the past 30 years, the K4-type locomotive has been disassembled, partially restored, but unfinished. In 2019, FMW Solutions performed a comprehensive inspection of No. 1361, including a full review of all past work performed, and a full engineering study of the integrity and repairability of the locomotive boiler. This six-month process included engineering calculations and reporting, 3D modeling, non-destructive spectrometer, radiograph, and ultrasonic thickness tests, rivet material review, visual inspections, and consultation with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

FMW has determined that much of the boiler’s firebox will need to be replaced with new steel. FMW’s findings and repair procedures have been reviewed and accepted by the FRA. The repairs will allow the original Belpaire boiler design to be preserved while being brought up to contemporary safety standards. Projections indicate the restoration, which will include repair of the boiler, appliances, frame, spring and brake rigging, drivers and running gear, and test runs will cost in excess of $2 million dollars.

Initial fundraising efforts are being led by railroad preservation advocates Bennett Levin and former Norfolk Southern and Amtrak CEO Wick Moorman. Among other rail preservation efforts, FMW is currently assisting with the rebuilding of Nashville, Chattanooga, & St. Louis steam locomotive No. 576; recently completed the restoration of U.S. Sugar No. 148, and is undertaking the relocation and eventual rebuilding of Atlantic Coast Line No. 1504. For more on FMW Solutions, to request a quote, or to explore opportunities for your railroad operation, visit fmwsolutions.com.