February 14th, 2018 by WCBC Radio
Despite the setbacks from a funding shortfall and the alleged theft of parts, the restoration of former Chesapeake and Ohio steam locomotive #1309 is proceeding as funding
becomes available. The initial letter writing campaign soliciting donations for the project has to date yielded over $30,000 in contributions with more fundraising efforts underway,
including a winter photo freight event planned for February 24, 2018 that will include a night photo session. All funds raised will directly benefit the restoration of 1309. For
more information or to purchase tickets, please visit WMSR’s website at www.wmsr.com.
“While we had suspended full time work on 1309 over the winter pending additional funding, the generosity of supporters has made it possible to fund a major item on the
project’s work list,” said Executive Director Garner. “We are happy to report that all of the driving wheels are currently in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with work scheduled to
begin shortly. The work will include machining and quartering crank pins and machining the journal bearing surfaces on the axles which were pitted from years of exposure to the
elements.” The work will be performed under the direction of Diversified Rail Services utilizing specialized steam locomotive wheel machines located at Tennessee Valley
Railroad Museum’s Soule Shop.
“We are committed to returning 1309 to steam as soon as is financially possible,” said Garner. “We have wasted no time in putting the dollars raised so far to work as quickly
as possible. The preservation and local communities’ continued support is vital to the locomotive’s completion.”
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