Rail industry executive Tom Loftus has joined FMW Solutions LLC (“FMW”) as its Director of Finance and Operations. With almost 30 years in short line railroad finance and management consulting, Loftus will provide short line and industrial railroad clients with financial, strategic planning, and grant writing services under FMW's consulting division National Rail Consulting Group (“NRCG”).

“Tom’s expertise in railroad finance, strategic planning, grant writing, and business development will be of substantial benefit to both our client base and our firm,” explained FMW President Davidson Ward. “As our firm continues to diversify, Tom’s skills in management and operations will be leveraged to support the meaningful expansion of our business. We are thrilled he opted to join our team.”

“FMW has worked with Mr. Loftus for many years as an independent consultant, utilizing his vast expertise in the areas of CRISI and BUILD Grant Writing, along with RRIF Loan Applications. Over the past few years, NRCG has leveraged its experience in Federal grant writing services to support multiple clients in pursuit of assistance. Mr. Loftus has supported multiple successful railroad grant applications, most recently assisting NRCG in authoring a successful $14.7 million CRISI grant application on behalf of the Redevelopment Authority of Berks County to fund renovations to the Colebrookdale Railroad’s bridges, tracks, and transload facilities.

To learn more about FMW Solutions or National Rail Consulting Group, visit fmwsolutions.com and www.nationalrailconsulting.com. Our team can also be reached at 423-425-9753 and info@fmwsolutions.com.

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TOM LOFTUS – DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCE

As Director of Operations and Finance, Tom Loftus will lead finance, consulting, strategic planning, and grant writing, as well as provide consulting support for FMW, the National Rail Consulting Group, and its clients.

Mr. Loftus is a former railroad leader with extensive experience in corporate finance, acquisitions, and financial management. He has particular strengths in the areas of valuation of acquisition targets, corporate finance, financial risk management, financial planning and analysis, and financial management. He has been part of Financial Advisory teams to the US Federal Railroad Administration, where he was responsible for evaluating passenger and freight railroads and rail transit systems applying for multi‐million US dollar loans under the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program (“RRIF”). In this role he has performed due diligence on multiple loan requests.

Mr. Loftus has also represented applicants seeking RRIF loans. For these engagements, Mr. Loftus led teams assisting clients with preparing RRIF loan applications, including the development of business plans and financial projection models required by the RRIF loan application. He has served on a number of international project teams including the World Bank‐financed restructuring of the railway system of Azerbaijan and was a senior key professional on a team hired by the Romanian state‐owned railway companies to conduct an analysis of the financial status of the companies and recommend strategies for improving profitability and overall financial health.

Most recently he served on teams supporting JICA‐financed passenger mass transit railway development efforts in Jakarta, Indonesia, as well as supporting projects involving Indian Railways. He previously served as Senior Vice‐President and Treasurer for Genesee & Wyoming Inc. a freight rail holding company with U.S. and international operations. Mr. Loftus holds an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and a BA in English from the University of Virginia.

FMW Solutions LLC (“FMW”), a railroad mechanical, engineering, contracting, and consulting firm, has hired two industry veterans to further its continued growth in General Electric and Electro-Motive diesel locomotive repair, as well as expand its services in short line and industrial railroad development.

Bruce Crawford has joined FMW as its Director of Short Line Services. In this role, Bruce is responsible for overseeing projects related to short line and industrial railroad mechanical, safety, and operational practices.

Doug Crawford has joined to serve as FMW’s Director of Motive Power Services. In this new position, Doug will leverage his expertise in diesel-electric locomotive maintenance and electrical systems to expand FMW’s short line and industrial locomotive maintenance services.

“We're boosting our services for General Electric diesel locomotive troubleshooting, repair, and electrical support work, with a specific focus on Dash 7, Dash 8, and related models,” explained FMW Vice President – Mechanical Shane Meador. “Along with our experience with diesel-electric locomotives of all kinds, the addition of the Crawfords allows us to provide prompt locomotive inspection, maintenance, and repair services across the Southeastern United States, and beyond.”

The addition of Bruce and Doug Crawford will bolster FMW’s short line services division, including mechanical, regulatory, operations, and inspection areas. Bruce Crawford manages both consulting and mechanical work related to FMW’s growing industrial and short line client base. Similarly, Doug Crawford oversees short line and diesel-electric locomotive services, with a particular focus on diesel-electric locomotive maintenance, including GE and EMD products.

To learn more about FMW Solutions or National Rail Consulting Group, visit fmwsolutions.com and nationalrailconsulting.com. Our team can also be reached at 423-425-9753 or via email.

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BRUCE CRAWFORD – DIRECTOR OF SHORT LINE SERVICES

As Director of Short Line Services, Bruce Crawford offers clients rail safety reviews, and regulatory compliance audits, as well as provides operations training and he will be a key member of the FMW rail mechanical team. He maintains a deep knowledge of rail operations, safety, mechanical, and regulatory matters.

Mr. Crawford is qualified in a plentitude of short line services, including as a Designated Supervisor of Locomotive Engineers, a Remote Control Locomotive Trainer, a Conductor and Conductor Program Administrator, a Hazmat Trainer, a Track Inspector, a Locomotive Mechanical Inspector, and a Track Signal Inspector. He holds a BS in Physics and Biological Sciences from the University of Colorado.

Most recently, Mr. Crawford was Operations Manager of the Huntsville & Madison County Railroad, where he was responsible for a variety of short line-related activities. Prior to his tenure at HMCR, Mr. Crawford co-founded the Tishomingo Railroad in Luka, Mississippi, where he was responsible for managing all start-up-related tasks and ongoing operations/business development activities. During the same time, Mr. Crawford also organized the Gadsden Switching Services, an industrial railroad in its namesake Alabama town, where he served as its President and General Manager. Mr. Crawford began his railroad career at New York Regional Rail, where he served as General Manager of the cross-harbor freight rail operation in New York City.

DOUG CRAWFORD – DIRECTOR OF MOTIVE POWER SERVICES

As Director of Short Line Services, Bruce Crawford offers clients rail safety reviews, and regulatory compliance audits, as well as provides operations training and he will be a key member of the FMW rail mechanical team. He maintains a deep knowledge of rail operations, safety, mechanical, and regulatory matters.

Mr. Crawford is qualified in a plentitude of short line services, including as a Designated Supervisor of Locomotive Engineers, a Remote Control Locomotive Trainer, a Conductor and Conductor Program Administrator, a Hazmat Trainer, a Track Inspector, a Locomotive Mechanical Inspector, and a Track Signal Inspector. He holds a BS in Physics and Biological Sciences from the University of Colorado.

Hollidaysburg, PA (March 15th) - The Everett Railroad Company has successfully converted its historic 1920s steam locomotive No. 11 back to fuel oil with help from rail preservation contractor FMW Solutions, allowing the popular tourist railroad operation to improve the locomotive’s performance and simplify its operation.

“With our increased ridership and popularity, the 11 has been operating on our tourist trains now more than ever. It’s become a challenge to get the right coal at a reasonable price, and the quality of coal can greatly affect how a locomotive operates. Combined with our desire to be a good neighbor through reducing smoke, we’ll also be able to simplify our fueling logistics and free up more space for parking,” said Alan Maples, President of the Everett Railroad Company.                       

In addition to designing an improved exhaust nozzle, the engineering work extended the petticoat by 12-inches, reducing the gap between the bellmouth and the nozzle itself to improve draft. This application was largely inspired by L.D. Porta’s Lempor Exhaust system.

The conversion to oil meant more than just changing the fuel. FMW Solutions performed the engineering and design work for the required drafting changes in the locomotive smokebox, which included a new exhaust nozzle, and petticoat extension to optimize draft production without needing to alter the original smokestack. FMW also provided guidance for the firebox and firepan modifications, which Everett Railroad performed in-house.

“There are some major differences in how coal and oil combust, which means that the steam locomotive needs to generate more of a draft on the fire to evenly distribute the heat and draw the fire forward,” explained Wolf Fengler, Vice President of Engineering for FMW Solutions. “Our approach was informed by historic railroad mechanical practices, modern fluid mechanics, and our background in installing similar systems on other locomotives.”       

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“Working with FMW Solutions made this an economical solution in more ways than one. With our upcoming season just around the corner, we had a fairly small window to get this conversion right and ensure the conversion itself was cost-effective. FMW had the skills to ensure that this was the case. Their work went a long way to save us money and the engine’s performance now is the best it's ever been,” explained Zach Hall, Everett Railroad steam shop foreman.               

The Everett Railroad constructed a new oil tank for the 11 and Stockton Locomotive Works provided Everett with a burner, firing valve quadrant, and emergency oil shutoff.                   

Built by the Cooke Works of the American Locomotive Company, the locomotive was originally constructed to burn oil for a railroad in Cuba, but ultimately never delivered for its intended use. It was converted to burn coal and served various short line railroads until the 1980s. The 11 was later acquired by the Everett Railroad Company in 2006 and restored to service in 2015.           

The Everett Railroad Company is a short-line freight and tourist railroad headquartered in Hollidaysburg, PA, operating 22 miles of track and providing rail freight transportation for industrial and agricultural customers. Its tourism program has welcomed over 100,000 passengers to the area since 2015. It is currently restoring Huntingdon & Broad Top Mountain Railroad steam locomotive No. 38, which will also be an oil burner. For more information on the Everett Railroad Company, visit everettrailroad.com.                   

FMW Solutions and its subsidiary National Rail Consulting Group offer a suite of professional services for the railroad industry, including mechanical and engineering design, diesel locomotive servicing and repair, rail operations, strategic planning support, marketing, public relations, safety compliance administration, training, and alternative fuel technology research and development. FMW is also an accomplished rail preservation resource, with expertise in the restoration and operation of historic equipment. For more on FMW Solutions, to request a quote, proposal, or to explore opportunities for your railroad operation, visit fmwsolutions.com, email us, or call (423) 425-9753.

OWOSSO, MI - The Steam Railroading Institute (SRI) has retained FMW Solutions to perform critical wheel and running gear work on Pere Marquette steam locomotive No. 1225. Underwritten by recent grants and generous donations, the work will see 1225 lifted, and its 30-tons of drivers, axles, and wheel assemblies removed and rebuilt by FMW. This will be the most extensive running gear work performed on the locomotive since before it was retired in 1951.

“This project is all about sustainability,” shared Steve Wasiura, Superintendent of Facilities & Railroad Operations for SRI. “1225 has been a reliable performer throughout its excursion career, and this work will keep it running for decades more. At FMW, we found partners who share our passion for preservation while understanding what it takes to keep steam-era railroading alive in 2022 and beyond. We are thrilled to be working with them!”

“1225 has emerged as an icon in our industry and one of the few large mainline steam engines with a regular operating schedule, which puts a unique kind of demand on a machine that’s 80 years old,” stated Shane Meador, Vice President of Mechanical for FMW Solutions. “We’re looking forward to assisting SRI in getting thousands of miles more out of this machine.”

1225 joins the lineup of over a half dozen steam locomotives in the United States for which FMW has performed work or is currently under contract, including the restoration of United States Sugar Corporation No. 148; Former Atlantic Coast Line No. 1504 for the United States Sugar Corporation, Pennsylvania Railroad No. 1361 at the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum; Nashville, Chattanooga, & St. Louis No. 576; Western Maryland Scenic Railroad No. 1309, among others. FMW is also responsible for the marketing, operations, and passenger car restoration for Sugar Express.

The Steam Railroading Institute is a non-profit, volunteer-driven educational organization dedicated to preserving steam era equipment and the skills needed to maintain and operate it. In addition to Pere Marquette 1225, SRI also operates a growing fleet of historic passenger equipment and is restoring another steam locomotive, Chicago & Northwestern 175, to operation. Visit michigansteamtrain.com for more information on how you can help keep steam railroading alive for future generations.

FMW Solutions and its subsidiary National Rail Consulting Group offer a suite of professional services for the railroad industry, including mechanical and engineering design, diesel locomotive servicing and repair, rail operations, strategic planning support, marketing, public relations, safety compliance administration, training, and alternative fuel technology research and development. FMW is also an accomplished rail preservation resource, with expertise in the restoration and operation of historic equipment. For more on FMW Solutions, to request a quote, proposal, or to explore opportunities for your railroad operation, visit fmwsolutions.com, email info@fwmsolutions.com, or call (423) 425-9753.

Restoring, renovating, and rebuilding vintage railroad passenger equipment is the next step for a steam-powered excursion line in Florida. Learn how we helped create a first-class tourist train – and the customer experience to go along with it.

Written By Kelly Lynch, Director of Special Project and Railroad Preservation Consultant

As the restoration of United States Sugar steam locomotive No. 148 crossed the finish line in April of 2020, the conversation immediately pivoted to what the 1920s steam locomotive could pull behind it. While Florida had previously been home to several steam-powered tourist trains operating on the general railroad system, the South Central Florida region hadn’t seen any steam or first-class trains in decades – a far cry from an area that had once hosted the prominent trains of Atlantic Coast Line, Seaboard Air Line Railroad, and Illinois Central.

Operating as the Sugar Express, the steam excursion operation was conceived to welcome passengers on trips through the cane fields and communities of the Lake Okeechobee area throughout the year. This meant that any passenger car acquired, rebuilt, or restored had to not only provide guests with a comfortable and enjoyable trip in accommodations that were complimentary with the heritage of 148 but also withstand Florida summers and extreme weather events.

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An obvious first choice was to lease Georgia 300, a privately-owned heavyweight observation car built in 1930 and kept in Orange Park, Florida. A resplendent Pullman Standard car, Georgia is best known for hosting three different United States Presidents on various Whistle Stop tours from 1992-1999 and as a result, carries a Presidential seal on display inside. With comfortable bedrooms, a kitchen, dining room, and lounge, the car was utilized on Sugar Express’ first Toys-for-Tots train in 2020 and is now on lease for the 2022 season. Georgia proudly displays a custom, lighted drumhead with the logo we developed for the operation.

With Georgia as a benchmark for a first-class car, we pivoted to equipment that could supply an abundance of passenger car seats. We approached the United Railway Historical Society of New Jersey (URHS) regarding three high-capacity coaches from the Great Northern and Union Pacific that had been in storage but left in various states of repair by a lessee. Trading off their ability to carry 80 passengers each, the cars were “fixer-uppers” originally built in the 1950s and last saw major work in the 1990s – but it was equipment that we could completely restore to our standards. At present, the cars are being gutted and rebuilt from the frame up, from the trucks to the upholstery, with major work focused on the HVAC and electrical systems.

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“These cars were left in a very complicated situation and after so many years, they’ve finally gotten the happy ending they deserve. We’re grateful to have had FMW Solutions and Sugar Express as partners and the funds from this sale have already been contributed to important preservation efforts for us,” said Kevin Phalon, President, URHS. “We look forward to working with FMW on future rail preservation projects in New Jersey.”

There was a lot of discussion amid U.S. Sugar and the Sugar Express on an open-air or open window car – something that would allow passengers to enjoy the Florida weather and connect to the rural countryside, but also take in the sights and sounds of the 148 at speed. Discussions on acquiring traditional observation cars or converting a coach into an open-air car (akin to the Lookout Mountain) ensued. 

Ultimately, we decided to follow the practice of other excursion operators and determined a baggage car would fit the bill. As Amtrak had just spun off dozens of cars from its heritage fleet a few years earlier, a former Santa Fe baggage car had made its way to the non-profit Nashville Steam. Now fully restored, the baggage car, now known as the Miami Locks, is on a long-term lease to Sugar Express.

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With an open-air baggage car, a beautiful observation car, and three coaches in the mix, the passenger train needed at least one more amenity – a dining or lounge car and Sugar Express Operations Manager Scott Ogle found a good fit: Former Pennslyvania Railroad William Penn. Originally constructed in the early 1950s as a parlor car, Amtrak converted it to a galley/lounge car, and the car was acquired in mid-summer of 2021.

The car was shipped 1,300 miles from St. Louis to Clewiston, Florida, and after some brake and running gear work, and additional adjustments to the generator and the interior, the car was placed into service as the Palmdale.

One of the most visible signs of progress on any passenger car is the paint scheme. One of these coaches, no. 1002, had been named the Lake Okeechobee and was the first car to appear in the new Sugar Express paint scheme.

Over a period of several weeks, we explored several different paint schemes and options for the growing passenger car fleet. Next to the steam engine itself, the appearance of the passenger train was critical, and an opportunity to create a matched train set was not only compelling but historically appropriate. 

Internally, early designs explored matching Georgia’s handsome blue and grey appearance, while others contemplated the Atlantic Coast Line’s striking purple or green passenger train looks. Through research, we ultimately felt that Illinois Central’s pre-war City of Miami passenger train paint scheme was one of the most striking – and also complemented the existing palette of colors used on the South Central Sugar Express’ diesel fleet.  The City of Miami was fitting –it was once a famous, all-Pullman year-round passenger train that ran through the area.

Using the restored Bamboo Grove (the Miami’s sole surviving observation tavern-lounge-observation car on static display in Ormond Beach, Florida) as a template, and after consulting the Pullman and EMD archives, shades of green, yellow and red were ultimately chosen, making only minor deviations to accommodate the client’s preferences (a shade brighter yellow, a slightly lighter green) and the vendor’s ability to reference the original colors in paint (for the passenger coaches) and vinyl (for the Miami Locks.) 

FMW employed the same process used on Brightline’s new passenger trains and determined that a vinyl wrap on a historic passenger car was not only cost-effective but a worthwhile experiment, and while it required additional surface prep work, the results were indistinguishable from the traditional pain used on the other equipment.

Amid this ongoing work, plans to market and operate the first official passenger excursion for the Sugar Express were taking shape. Upon the arrival of the Palmdale and Georgia, and the completion of Miami Locks, we started work on creating the Lake Placid Limited – a first-class, all-day trip from Clewiston to Lake Placid.

The year of work spent building the Sugar Express fleet was not in vain – tickets for the inaugural trip sold out in 14 minutes, and the journey ultimately welcomed passengers from around Florida and six different states. 

To round out the experience, we designed historically inspired tickets and a timetable for passenger souvenirs, hired a local caterer to produce a bountiful breakfast buffet, and our onboard train crew wore appropriate period uniforms. To quote one passenger, “when we were greeted at the door by a fully uniformed conductor in 87 degrees, we were impressed. We knew we were in for a treat.”

“Each one of these passenger cars came to us at different stages of mechanical usefulness, and different challenges as a result. It’s been gratifying to work side by side with Sugar Express and Scott Ogle. We learned the ins and outs of these together and came up with practical, affordable solutions, that will support the passenger experience onboard these trains,” explained Drew Reynolds, Project Manager for FMW Solutions, who manages the fleet for Sugar Express. “A customer’s experience can be marred by the presentation of a train, not to mention any number of mechanical issues. We want our clients and their guests to have the best experience possible, even if components of the train set are 50 or 100 years old.”

For guidance or help on your railroad passenger car restoration or rebuild project, or to request a proposal or quote, visit fmwsolutions.com, email info@fwmsolutions.com, or call (423) 425-9753.

FMW Solutions and its affiliate National Rail Consulting Group offer a suite of professional services for the railroad industry, including mechanical and engineering design, diesel locomotive servicing and repair, rail operations, strategic planning support, marketing, public relations, safety compliance administration, training, and alternative fuel technology research and development. FMW is also an accomplished rail preservation resource, with expertise in the restoration and operation of historic equipment. 

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.

Atlantic Coast Line steam locomotive no. 1504 has arrived at Lucey Quarter for restoration. Southern steam locomotive no. 4501 was originally restored at Lucey Boiler in the late 1960s and now operates at the nearby Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.

CHATTANOOGA,  TN - FMW Solutions has expanded its Tennessee operations through the lease of a portion of the Lucey Boiler Company,  increasing its railroad restoration shop capabilities in the region. Lucey Boiler will host the complete overhaul of historic Atlantic Coast Line steam locomotive No. 1504, which was relocated to the region from Jacksonville, Florida in an effort assisted by the City of Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley Railway Museum.

“We’re genuinely thrilled to be growing our company’s craft in Chattanooga,” said Shane Meador, VP - Mechanical of FMW Solutions. “In addition to our machine and fabrication shop in Soddy Daisy, Tennessee, our firm is capable of taking on mechanical and restoration projects of any scope, including complete steam and diesel locomotive overhaul, at remote locations across the U.S.”

The 52,000-sq foot Lucey Boiler Company facility is slated for redevelopment into Lucey Quarter by Southern Spear Properties. This investment in the Highland Park Neighborhood aims to transform the century-old industrial complex into a mixed-use community gathering place adjacent to the East Line pathway and the former Belt Railway of Chattanooga. 

“Lucey Quarter will be a historical destination for Chattanooga residents and the southeast,” explained Sean Compton, President of Southern Spear Properties. “The rebuilding of this incredible machine will drive buzz and be the crown jewel in our historical redevelopment. FMW Solutions are incredible in the work they do and pride they apply to their craft. We are thrilled in this partnership and hope to make it a staple of Chattanooga for many years to come.”

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Acquired from the City of Jacksonville earlier this year by Sugar Express LLC, locomotive No. 1504 is being returned to operation as a key part of a regional rail tourism and education program in South Central Florida. 

FMW Solutions has worked in collaboration with Sugar Express since 2019, including having successfully completed the restoration of No. 148, the first steam locomotive in the Sugar Express operation. FMW is also underway renovating passenger cars and aiding Sugar Express with strategic planning and operations at its headquarters in Clewiston, Florida. 

“We’ve grown our staff considerably in the last eight months to include 18 full and part-time positions across the United States, and we’ve also grown our services to include experts in safety training and FRA compliance, operations, fabrication, marketing,  grant-writing, and more,” explained Meador. “Our use of the Lucey Boiler facility will also serve as a jumping-off point for our continued growth in alternative fuels research and development; which is another growth sector for our business and signals yet another investment in Chattanooga.”

As part of its network for both rail preservation and modern railroad clients, FMW also maintains a heavy machine shop space and tooling in Watervliet, New York and an engineering and design office in Colorado Springs.

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About Atlantic Coast Line No. 1504: Constructed in 1919, locomotive No. 1504 served across the entire Atlantic Coast line engine was retired in 1952 and donated to the City of Jacksonville, where it was later cared for by the North Florida Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society. The locomotive will undergo an extensive three-year rebuilding process at the Lucey Boiler site and current plans call for the finished locomotive to be shipped back and reassembled in Clewiston. 

For more information on Sugar Express, visit sugarexpress.com.

About Lucey Quarter: An urban hub planned for the Highland Park neighborhood, Lucey Quarter is a $20 million, 52,000 square foot development planned for the Lucey Boiler Company site and will include spaces for community, commerce, entertainment and housing. 

For more information in Lucey Quarter, visit luceyquarter.com.

FMW Solutions and its affiliate National Rail Consulting Group offer a suite of professional services for the railroad industry, including mechanical and engineering design, diesel locomotive servicing and repair, rail operations, strategic planning support, marketing, public relations, safety compliance administration, training, and alternative fuel technology research and development. FMW is also an accomplished rail preservation resource, with expertise in the restoration and operation of historic equipment. For more on FMW Solutions, to request a quote, or to explore opportunities for your railroad operation email us, or call (423) 425-9753.

How do you begin to rebuild The Spirit of Altoona?

Join Wolf Fengler, Vice President of Engineering for FMW Solutions, on a tour of the boiler and Belpaire firebox of Pennsylvania Railroad steam locomotive no. 1361 at the Railroaders Memorial Museum in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Learn what we've discovered about the locomotive’s current condition and our process to assess past work on this historic machine.

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.

ST. LOUIS, MO (July 14th) - A historic Wabash Railroad turntable has been rescued from obscurity and will be preserved as part of a planned steam-driven tourist railroad in South Central Florida.

MetroLink, a light rail system serving the greater St. Louis region, had sought a new home for the historic structure for over 25 years. As MetroLink cleared the area for redevelopment, the turntable’s fate was uncertain. Earlier this year, representatives from FMW Solutions LLC, an industry contractor with expertise in rail preservation and logistics, approached MetroLink with several options to save the structure.

Since February, FMW has worked with MetroLink to clear the site and turntable, removing and salvaging structural components and wood, and even managed to save two newborn kittens that were living in the turntable pit. Nicknamed “Link” and “Wabash,” the kittens were turned over for adoption at the local humane society.

The 90-foot long, 62-ton turntable will make a thousand-mile journey from St. Louis to Clewiston, Florida, where plans call for it to ultimately be restored and used as part of the Sugar Express, a regional tourist train operation in the Lake Okeechobee region.

“The installation of this turntable will be an important step toward our future goal of offering public excursions on the Sugar Express, where passengers will be able to see South Florida farming operations firsthand aboard an historic steam locomotive-driven railroad,” said Scott Ogle, General Manager of the Sugar Express. “We appreciate the staff at FMW Solutions for helping to relocate the turntable as we make plans for its installation near Clewiston.”

Built in 1917 by the American Bridge Company, the turntable was used to orient locomotives at the railroad’s facility at Vanteveter Avenue roundhouse and almost exclusively served the line’s storied steam and diesel passenger locomotives throughout its history. In the ensuing years, the roundhouse was demolished and the property was absorbed by Norfolk & Western, and later owned by Norfolk Southern until 1989 when the adjoining railroad line was deemed secondary and later sold to Bi-State Development as it began construction of MetroLink. 

For more information on Sugar Express, visit sugarexpress.com. For more information on the Metropolitan Saint Louis Transit Agency, metrostlouis.org.

FMW Solutions and its subsidiary National Rail Consulting Group offer a suite of professional services for the railroad industry, including mechanical and engineering design, diesel locomotive servicing and repair, rail operations, strategic planning support, marketing, public relations, safety compliance administration, training, and alternative fuel technology research and development. FMW is also an accomplished rail preservation resource, with expertise in the restoration and operation of historic equipment.

ALTOONA PA (June 25th)  - The Railroaders Memorial Museum (RMM) announced this week that it has named FMW Solutions LLC as its strategic partner in the restoration of Pennsylvania Railroad K4s-class steam locomotive No. 1361. Working with the board and staff at RMM, and a team of qualified volunteers, FMW Solutions will oversee the day-to-day restoration efforts of the museum’s national icon and assist in strategic planning for the eventual operation of the attraction.

“FMW Solutions brings a remarkable set of skills and talents to this project,” said Joseph DeFrancesco, Executive Director of the RMM. "Their portfolio and professional approach is exactly what we need for this endeavor and their highly credentialed team has a successful track record that speaks for itself.”

“The legacy of the Pennsylvania Railroad, the K4, and the industrious identity of Altoona makes this extremely special to us,” said Davidson Ward, President of FMW Solutions. "Our team is prepared to assist RMM turn a new page in this project. Our hope is to make the locomotive a viable ambassador for Altoona and the Commonwealth for years to come.”

For the past 30 years, the K4 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.

FMW Solutions undertook both traditional computational engineering analyses of the boiler as well as built a 3D CAD model of the boiler. The 3D studies also employed finite element analysis of key boiler components.

“Paired with our board of directors, staff, skilled volunteers, government agencies, and donors, this partnership will return The Spirit of Altoona to the high iron once again and create educational and economic development opportunities while fulfilling the museum’s goal to preserve America’s rail heritage through the Altoona railroading experience,” DeFrancesco added.

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. To learn more about the project or to support the museum with donations or memberships, visit railroadcity.org/1361.

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, email info@fwmsolutions.com, or call (423) 425-9753.

FMW Solutions and its subsidiary National Rail Consulting Group offer a suite of professional services for the railroad industry, including mechanical and engineering design, diesel locomotive servicing and repair, rail operations, strategic planning support, marketing, public relations, safety compliance administration, training, and alternative fuel technology research and development. FMW is also an accomplished rail preservation resource, with expertise in the restoration and operation of historic equipment.