Southern Pacific #18 – July and August 2024

Work has steadily progressed on #18 this summer to the point that we are ready for the FRA hydro, and shortly thereafter, a return to steam! Big thanks go out to everyone who has helped get it ready, we were able to repair numerous minor issues that had been on the list over the past couple years. The #18 is in top notch shape and ready for its next operations which we hope to announce shortly.

Work has also continued on boxcar 1C. All four door are completed and back in Independence. Additionally, the A end header beam has been reinstalled. Next on the task list will be removal, milling, and replacement of the first of the two upper sill sections.

In addition to all the work going on, we also participated in the annual Independence Day 4th of July parade with the fire truck and the Model TT truck. As always, we couldn’t do it without everyone’s support.

Southern Pacific #18 – May and June 2024

Things are going back together on our #18! The first of June saw a group gather to continue the reassembly process and take care of a handful of other menial, yet important chores.

Along with locomotive work, some important housekeeping was undertaken that required moving our track implements into storage boxcar 15. Lastly, while no work was done on boxcar 1C this weekend in Independence, the doors are coming along nicely and will be ready to return in the very near future.

As always, we appreciate everyone’s support as we couldn’t do it without you. And for a reminder of how far we have come, take a look at the following pictures of #18 taken 43 years ago, 23 year ago, and 3 years ago; what a ride of a project its been!