Good Evening Ladies & Gentlemen,
Today at The Railroad Museum of Long Island (RMLI), we were doing some work on our narrow gauge 0-4-0T No. One. Before I get into the details of work, a little background info for you.
Built by the H.K. Porter Locomotive works in 1921 for the Defiance Coal Company in Mentmore, New Mexico. A 40" gauge railroad was operated between their two mines and the coal tipple at Mentmore, a distance of about 1 3/4 miles by rail. Coal was loaded in small jennies, called "pit cars" from the mine entrance to the coal tipple. The coal company closed in 1952, with the last run by rail taking place on March 28th of that year.
After the mine ceased operations, it was purchased by Dr. Stanley Groman, who had it shipped during January 1953 to Sandy Pond in Sandy Creek Township in upstate New York. This site became one of the first operating rail Museums in the country.
Known as Rail City, the operation continued until its closure on October 13, 1974. Due to its 40 inch gauge, the #1 was just a static display.
After Rail City closed, the engine sat idle until John Degan of Southampton, NY came upon the engine and purchased it from Dr. Groman's estate in the Fall of 1982. Mr. Degan began restoration of the locomotive to operating condition, changed the saddle water tank to two side saddle water tanks, and placed it on a flatbed trailer equipped with rollers. In this manner, the locomotive could be transported over the road to different events and parades across Long Island. It could then be fired up and the drivers could turn around on the trailer. When not on display, the engine was stored in Southampton.
Completing several months of negotiations, the #1 was donated to RMLI during Columbus Day weekend of 1999.
The goal is to see her under steam in the coming years.(we are looking at 2012) First, we have to get her trailer up to standards and make her moblie and road worthy, and then work will focus more on the locomotive.
Nevertheless, today, thanks to the help of the Long Island antique power association, she got a boiler wash and hydro test. Of course, after pumping the hot water into the engine, we found very few and minor leaks. Among these was a small leak in the throttle, and the plugs. That however can be easily fixed by getting new washers.
The Engine itself is in outstanding shape, and has very limited running time. The tubes and firebox look great! There is a very bright future for this engine, and it may be narrow gauge, but it may be the first steam engine to steam on long island in many years, even if just running in place.
However, as I said right now work will focus on getting the truck painted and in good mechanical shape so Number One is mobile. In the spring, I plan to perform an ultra sound on the engine, to give you an idea of the work that will be getting done. and is planned.
Also, in Riverhead our Caboose C-68 is in the middle of being repainted. On Monday, I was out grinding along with President Don Fisher the rust spots down and getting her ready for paint. Due to the weather, I have had to hold off, but she should be a solid orange by the end of the month, possibly next week. Today in New York it rained all day.
There are so many things going on at the RMLI. Here are some pictures, showing all the work we have accomplished of Number One and Caboose 68.
Thank you for your support and interest,
Anthony
Railroad Museum of Long Island
