The 1356: Restoration begins!

Northern Pacific Locomotive #1356 Repair Plans PHASE 1A, (Immediate Concerns)

Fabricate a cover for the exhaust stack to prevent snow/ice accumulation in the smokebox and to keep wildlife from nesting inside.

Install plugs in the steam dome (former whistle location) and in the dynamo (generator) to prevent ice accumulation and further damage.

Restore number boards and headlight lens with lexan (plexiglass).

Phase 1B, Short Term Goals (<June2025)

Spring of 2025 – Power wash pigeon droppings and debris from cab interior, firebox (remove dead pigeon and debris), and ash pan. This can be done once average temps stay above freezing. Power wash smokebox interior (will require opening firebox, bolted).

Repair & refurbish bell (replace clapper, remove pivot spot weld, polish bell exterior).

Repair lighting fixtures behind headlight, number boards, and marker lights (engine & tender). Install single cab light for future illumination. Tender marker lights and backup light will need to be sourced. Tie in single electrical point to city box located in ground in the front of engine.

Grease running gear as necessary and specified, per “Display Locomotives.”

Phase 2, Mid Term Goals (<End 2025)

Repair/ Replace cab front door frames on engineer (R) and Fireman’s (L) side

Repair/ Replace Cab roof vent framing

Fabricate & Install lexan windows & framing in cab to prevent future weather damage, wildlife roosting, trash accumulation.

Vegetation management surrounding locomotive display area.

Replace safety valve shield plates

Source replacement whistle & Install

Phase 3, Long Term Goals

Sand dome emptied of sand (if present). Sand dome fixed to boiler shell (epoxy).

Tender top surface cleaned and repaired of minor rust holes. Fabricate & Install coal bunker cover to prevent snow/ ice/ debris accumulation and further damage.

Paint preparation, protective primer, paint and replace lettering

Design and installation interpretive signage.

PHASE TWO AND ONWARD, Years 2-5

Rebuild cab
Repair/ Replace tender sheet metal, Repaint. Plan, including budget, for yearly maintenance

For your interest: Displayed Steam Locomotives, Their Care and Maintenance, a document from 1974 that “provides all the information needed to prepare a steam locomotive for static display so that it does not deteriorate. The author provides detailed advice that will be useful to civic groups about how to achieve this at a reasonable price so that what should be a source of community pride does not succumb to vandals and rust.

On Friday December 13th Andrew Skibo, a welcome addition to Friends of the 1356, assessed the engine’s immediate needs for weatherization and stabilization: and so the restoration begins. Next up, our new working plan, which follows below. For a recap and a more in depth update on progress, see The 1356: A New Chapter.