The work session everyone has been anticipating is finally here! Today we picked up the new tender cistern and successfully placed it on the rebuilt tender trucks and frame.

Thanks to all the effort over the last year to prepare for this lift (e.g., 23 July work session, 30 July work session), the crew was able to complete the lift on the first attempt and achieve perfect alignment. This view of the action is taken from the cab of Downeast Scenic Railroad 54, which was used to move the tender throughout the lift to position the frame into position. Once the crane and other equipment was positioned, the lift only took ~13 minutes.

Look at how much room is in the shop with the tender out. We seriously don’t know what to do with all the spare room. This space will be critical when we start riveting the tender in the spring. There are about 2,500 hot rivets to set!

Thanks to all the NESCo volunteers and members who made this a reality!

Present for the lift were: Paul VS, Paul H, Robert, Leverett, Bob, Kieth, Al, Ron, Hanna. and Jim