On Tuesday, March 27th, a team of thirteen volunteers and our contractor's crew, pulled the tarp covering over the steel arches of the New England Steam Corporation shop. This structure effectively gives us a dry, all-weather work area measuring 60 feet by 120 feet. 5,280 sq. feet will be open area, including the boiler and the extended track on which 470 will stand. Once the sea of mud is dried and stable, the boiler will be moved indoors. One of the first projects this season will be to construct panel track, and to pull the frame and driver gear indoors. Electrifying the shop will be the next major addition. The track will be temporary as we are still planning to install a drop pit.
The tender fund has grown to approximately $17,000, while we wait for answers from potential granting agencies. "Thank you", to everyone who donated and continue to help build the tender fund. Once the $100,000 goal is met, the tender will go out for complete rebuilding. Donations can be made using PayPal or by mailing a check to our Winterport address.
