Steam & Excursion > ATSF 2926 Update - Engine House Plan and Donations

The ATSF 2926 group has established a GoFundMe account for donations to be used specifically for erecting an engine house at the current site. In their statement, they state that after 15 years and over 120,000 hours of volunteer work and nearly $2 million in cash and donated goods and services, the engine is nearing completion of the restoration (hydro tests of superheater tubes and boiler next up, then final reassembly and fire up). However, without a shelter it is out in the elements and susceptible to damage, both natural and human caused (the latter has occurred several times already).

To provide shelter, a fully enclosed metal building with roll-up doors will be erected; the cost is estimated at $200,000. If funding is forthcoming, the building will be erected before this coming winter so the current goal is to have the funds raised by the end of August. Though parts donations are still requested, their cost may be beyond the budget of many. The GoFundMe method is an excellent way to donate to the Society for a specific project with whatever funds you wish.

The Society has updated their front page to explain the need for an engine house and it has a link to the GoFundMe page. At that web page you will find a YouTube video explaining in more detail why an engine house is necessary and details on the donation procedure.

http://nmslrhs.org/
http://www.gofundme.com/SantaFe2926

---

---

Silly Question,

Does using GoFundMe change the tax status of a donation from being tax deductable to being that of a "Gift" which is not? I suppose it would only matter who gets your money directly (GoFundMe or the 2926 Group). I do already understand that donations directly to the Society are tax deductable, just trying to understand this new and different procedure. *Edit* Would like to add, I'm glad to see this topic come up and fundraising to begin for it before they are completed, just curious on the above topic.

-Dave



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/26/15 09:28 by dbesade.

Really, none of those ample shop buildings around there can be utilized? There is a lot of space under a roof there from what I saw. If that is to be converted into retail shopping or whatever, no chance for a "living display" so people can watch the restoration and maintenance behind glass? Your engine is a large part of the history of those shop buildings. Just curious! === === = === JLH

Dave,
I don't know how that works. I'll ask the question and report the answer.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/26/15 10:22 by Cumbresfan.

Does the city intend on doing any kind of funds matching? It looks as though Portland has really stepped up for the friends up there and it looks to have benefited the city. It looks like Ft.Wayne is about to do the same. Before just building a "storage shed", it might be neat to show the city what can happen with matched funds and how it is going to help the community with tax dollars, tourism, and revenue? 

Joe

What is the difference between 3751 at Redondo and this engine?  I know ZERO about steam engines.

whistlepig Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> What is the difference between 3751 at Redondo and
> this engine?  I know ZERO about steam engines.

The 2900's are pretty much the biggest, heaviest and most powerful 4-8-4's ever built. SBRHS has a comparison page:
http://sbrhs.org/portfolio-items/comparison/

-K

whistlepig Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> What is the difference between 3751 at Redondo and
> this engine?  I know ZERO about steam engines.

Number 3751 was the very first 4-8-4 the Santa Fe purchased, however it was "modernized" some time in the late 1930s, or early 1940s. The 2926 was part of the last, biggest, and most modern 4-8-4s on the Santa Fe. So, in a nut shell, #2926 is a fair bit larger than #3751 (plus higher boiler pressure and thus higher horse power).

Highgreengraphics and Joe,

Use of the old Santa Fe shops at the ABQ rail yard is not anticipated as plans for that space include the Wheels Museum ( http://www.wheelsmuseum.org/) , work spaces, restaurants, performance venues and shops but not an active RR shop. A separate building is proposed to house the 2926 and an active repair/restoration shop for private railcars. The status of that project is in its infancy with grants and donations (including city participation) necessary to actually start construction. Bottom line is that a permanent home for the engine is at the earliest five or more years away and an interim shelter at it's current location is very necessary to protect the detailed work performed in restoring the engine.

A video presents what the final home for 2926 is planned to look like:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbkMLMH_jsA



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 06/26/15 12:12 by Cumbresfan.

HotWater Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> whistlepig Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > What is the difference between 3751 at Redondo
> and
> > this engine?  I know ZERO about steam engines.
>
> Number 3751 was the very first 4-8-4 the Santa Fe
> purchased, however it was "modernized" some time
> in the late 1930s, or early 1940s. The 2926 was
> part of the last, biggest, and most modern 4-8-4s
> on the Santa Fe. So, in a nut shell, #2926 is a
> fair bit larger than #3751 (plus higher boiler
> pressure and thus higher horse power).

One difference that will require less maintenance on the road is all bearings are roller bearings instead of plain or "friction" bearings. In videos for 3751 and some other engines, stops between those necessary for water and fuel are required to lubricate non-roller bearings.

dbesade Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Silly Question,
>
> Does using GoFundMe change the tax status of a
> donation from being tax deductable to being that
> of a "Gift" which is not? I suppose it would only
> matter who gets your money directly (GoFundMe or
> the 2926 Group). I do already understand that
> donations directly to the Society are tax
> deductable, just trying to understand this new and
> different procedure. *Edit* Would like to add, I'm
> glad to see this topic come up and fundraising to
> begin for it before they are completed, just
> curious on the above topic.
>
> -Dave

Dave,
The answer from Dr. Michael Hartshorne, Society president:
We are a 501(c)(3) non profit - since no services or goods have been exchanged for the contributions, they are fully tax deductible.

Cumbresfan Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Highgreengraphics and Joe,
>
> Use of the old Santa Fe shops at the ABQ rail yard
> is not anticipated as plans for that space include
> the Wheels Museum ( http://www.wheelsmuseum.org/)
> , work spaces, restaurants, performance venues and
> shops but not an active RR shop. A separate
> building is proposed to house the 2926 and an
> active repair/restoration shop for private
> railcars. The status of that project is in its
> infancy with grants and donations (including city
> participation) necessary to actually start
> construction. Bottom line is that a permanent home
> for the engine is at the earliest five or more
> years away and an interim shelter at it's current
> location is very necessary to protect the detailed
> work performed in restoring the engine.
>
> A video presents what the final home for 2926 is
> planned to look like:
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbkMLMH_jsA

Highgreengraphics and Joe,
Below is a more complete and somewhat distressing answer to your question from the Society president and why our present location will serve as our home for the foreseeable future:

The master developer for the historic buildings (Samitaur Constructs) has been given complete authority over the use of those historic backshop buildings by the City of Albuquerque and needs hundreds of millions in somebody's investment dollars to re-purpose those buildings for any use at all.  They like big thinking designs for corporate offices and light industry connected by landscaped promenades with a fringe of support services like restaurants. Their plans do NOT include rail anything inside the historic buildings.  They have reserved a small area around the turn table (which still functions - rarely) for "cultural" purposes such as entertainment venues and museums which could include a built from scratch engine house.  We have plans for several versions....each of which is between 5 and 7 million dollars.  If we could get the developer's permission and had the money the developer MIGHT let us build if they decided it fit their master plan and its architectural style.  The ground is a brown field with the water table 7 feet down. Oh, and then there would be a small problem with utilities.  No water, no sewage, no electricity, no gas, no parking, and no security.  All of which could cost millions more.  Those old backshops are cool to tour like going to an old Indian ruin.  Wonderful history falling into rust and ruin.  It is fun to think about using it again.  We have.  It would take a billionaire with a hobby interest in old RR stuff.  These are not abundant in New Mexico.

2926 needs the engine house, let the group develop it, screw the fancy dancy developer

Ladies & Gents:

With respect to any charitable contributions made directly to WWW.NMSLRHS.ORG or to our GoFundMe Engine House campaign found at https://www.gofundme.com/SantaFE2926, this is the notice we will post shortly:

“The NMSL&RHS is a Non-Profit corporation, as defined by Section 501(c) (3) of the U.S. Tax Code.  No goods or services are offered in exchange for your donations, so you can expect your charitable donations to be tax deductible.  We are not in a position to give tax advice, so please check with your personal accountant if your are unsure about your own eligibility”

As it turns out, not much information is available to the society as far as who donates to the GoFundMe web site campaign other than the name that was given to GoFundMe at the time of donation.  However, the GoFundMe web site does afford us an opportunity to thank our donors and it should forward an email response to them on our behalf.  We will be using that method to notify our contributors that a tax receipt is available upon request if they email such a request to  (nmslrhs@nmslrhs.org.  Of course, donors are always welcome to ask for tax receipt just by emailing us regardless of what way was used to donate to 2926 (GoFundMe, PayPal, mailed-in personal check, etc.) or when they donated.

Let me take a moment to thank all our 2926 fans, especially our fans on Trainorders.com.  The support and encouragement you all have given us over the years has been HUGE and has contributed in no small measure to the successful restoration of 2926. 

Let's steam in 2015!

rich bugge - Webmaster NMSLRHS 
 

What service charge does "Go Fund Me" take from the donations? I think it is in the 20% range. Send a check directly to the group and take the tax write off. More effective use of your cash than sending 1/5th on a service charge.
SCW

scwillis Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> What service charge does "Go Fund Me" take from
> the donations? I think it is in the 20% range.
> Send a check directly to the group and take the
> tax write off. More effective use of your cash
> than sending 1/5th on a service charge.
> SCW

Personal checks and money orders ensure the group gets EVERY penny.

Those who thrive on a one-click schedule will contribute online, but likely never take the time to make out and mail a check. Both avenues are beneficial. The service charge was a hurdle for many at our group and project, but since accepting online donations (in this case, via PayPal) we get dollars we would not get otherwise, particularly from younger fans. 

Another benefit to e-channel giving is that 2926 fans can "share" that link quickly with their non-fan friends and families, who then have an instant opportunity to support something their friend or family member thinks is interesting and worthy. And in turn, those people might share to the next circle outward. It's a big world, and we are learning to look well outside our normal boundaries for support. 

Meanwhile, check writers with stamps can know that 100% of their funds go to the org. But those who find in-the-moment convenience attractive should be given the opportunity. So...it's all good!

And thanks to all for the useful information in this thread. And kudos on the work. May the force be funded!

~ BZ



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 07/06/15 14:46 by Notch16.