Rebirth of Tanana Valley Railroad #1

by Dan Gullickson

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Main Article  ~   Restoration Photos  ~  In Service Photos

 

Engine #1, 1991, before restoration began - TVRR Files.

 

Dismantling begins, Spring, 1992.  Photo records indicate this was the fourth cab placed on Engine #1 - FTVRR files, D.Gullickson.

 

Holaday-Parks employees fabricating new tank utilizing the ends from the original - FTVRR files, D.Gullickson.

 

Chassis without cab, Spring, 1992.   Pat Durand (left) and Rich Barlow discuss how to proceed - FTVRR files, D.Gullickson.

 

The finished product during a test run on July 2, 2000 - Art Chase photo.

With the exception of the Boiler, Running Blocks and Oil Lubricator,  all work was completed by local vendors and citizens who donated their time and resources.  The new boiler was built to current code by Benson Mt.Co., using the "guts" from the original boiler, and has fake rivets to match the original.  Running Blocks were fabricated by IFT-USA, from the original blueprints.  Back Shop Enterprises provided the Oil Lubricator.  Major technical assistance was received from Peter Bouley of Benson Mt.Co., and Steve Boothroyd of the Edaville Railroad, and the White Pass and Yukon Route gave our operating crew their initial training.

The following is a summary of the work performed to return TVRR #1 to operation:

~ Total disassembly down to the chassis to allow examination and cleaning of all parts

~ All piping/plumbing replaced

~ Axles re-ground

~ Driving Pins replaced

~ Crosshead Guides milled

~ New Piston Rings fabricated from Bar Stock

~ Cylinders re-worked; Crossheads, Side Rod Bearings, and Cylinder Push Rods rebuilt

~ New Running Blocks fabricated

~ Valve Stems and Piston Rods re-surfaced

~ Rebuilt Throttle Quadrant

~ Steam Gauge, Whistle, Bell, Steam Injector and Oil Lubricator replaced (all had disappeared)

~ Water Hatch Cover, Steam chest Covers and Water Tank Clean-out plugs re-cast (old ones were missing or had severe damage)

~ Boiler replaced

~ New Boiler wrapped and insulated

~ Water Tank and Headlamp restored; Ash Pan replaced, Ash Catcher fabricated

~ Cab Replaced, following original plans, using White Oak, and the roof is sheathed with copper

The parts used to make casting molds for missing parts on #1 came from a sister engine, Coal Creek #3, which is owned by Keith Christenson of Eagle River.   Keith may bring #3 to Fairbanks for restoration once our new facility is complete.   #3 is presently stored outside in Eagle River.  Keith also owns TVRR Box Car #103, the same unit that appears in many photographs following the passenger car (see photo).  He has donated it to us and we hope to move it to Fairbanks for stabilization next year.

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