NESCO President Richard Glueck stands between 470's replacement classification lights, at the Amherst Railway Society show, on January 27. The show was a wonderful time to bring new friends and old acquaintances together to discuss our project and where it's going this year. Because of efforts by a great number of individuals, we are able to say, the restoration building is 90% completed, awaiting a few warm days to complete raising the cover. Smaller but necessary components of the 470 itself, are being checked off as completed. The Valve Pilot and speed recorder, heavily damaged by vandals is being rebuilt by a mechanical engineering student from the University of Maine, complete with near parts being 3D printed and re-cut from brass.
Dick would like to point out the immediate goals of electrifying the shop building and completely funding the tender restoration. The electrification as projected will cost around $10,000, perhaps less. The tender rebuild has $15,000 on account, is underway, and requires approximately $85,000 to complete. These efforts are not out of grasp, and we can assure donors of a first class job.
Remember, when you donate to New England Steam Corporation, the money goes toward restoration. The restored locomotive is a gift to the future, and as a donor, you are an active part of the work being accomplished.
With funding in place, you can have a historically accurate replacement tender in the next year. Won't that be an accomplishment?
