Steam & Excursion > Will we see 3985 running in 2027?

I wonder what the chances are of seeing 3985 running at any point next year completely finished?

 

One can hope, they are making good progress. To be honest, im supreised its not done yet as the guys I talked to in silvis in 2022 made it sound that they wanted it running within 2 years.

Update from Silvis: work on the 3985 & 5511 is progressing.  This past few months we have been focusing on both the 5511 & 3985 boilers.  In early June both locomotive boilers were pressurized on compressed air for the first time since installation of the new boiler tubes and flues earlier this year.  Just last week for the first time since the early 1960's we filled the boiler of the 5511 with water.  After which we preformed a mini hydro and pressurized the boiler to 100 psi.  This is the first step in identifying any small leaks and fixing them prior to a full FRA Hydro which we hope to do later this Summer.  Our goal with the 5511 is to test fire the locomotive later this year.  This would give us the winter to install the lagging, jacketing and final painting.  Fingers crossed we could see the 5511 chugging around Silvis in 2027.  

Work on the 3985 is also progressing, last week the tender was lifted and set back on its new wheels, the brake rigging and spring rigging was overhauled this past winter, with all new pins and bushings.  Once we have completed the installation of the new brake rigging we will roll it outside and install the newly fabricated oil tank in the coal bunker. With our recent testing of the boiler on air we identified several more staybolts that we have decided to change.  Our goal would be to get the 3985 FRA hydro completed in 2026.  This would allow us to focus on a possible test fire in the Spring of 2027.  The work on the 3985 is far more in-depth and extensive than originally planned.  Most of the major components are on-hand and ready for assembly. Regarding the question if the 3985 will operate in 2027, we certainly hope so.  A lot will depend how much additional work we find in the next few months as we start to assemble the locomotive and the donations.  Currently we have 6-8 people working fulltime at Silvis, we are always looking for additional help with both volunteers and paid staff to work at Silvis.  For more information and detailed updates with pictures you can go to RRHMA.COM.     

Thank you for your support.  

Steve Sandberg    
milw261@msn.com    

Keep up the great work Steve ! Any plans to move the 261 to Silvis ?

Yes, thank you Steve for the very informative reasonable explanation. Sounds, like 3985 wasnt quite in the good condition many on here reported over the years.

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For UP to continue to run it it would have had to get the same treatment as 4014, omaha said which overhaul do you want to do, wish it were both

Steve, Such great news. The 3985 is a fabulous locomotive and I am pleased and excited that it will be running again. Thanks to you all for your efforts.

Great news, gonna be interesting just seeing the 5511 back up and running since she hasn't ran in like forever, 3985, I for one would drive out to see her in action again!