April 2024 Frame Construction Update - Submerged Arc Welding

[@regularguy7266]

The first paycheck of my first job will go towards the T1 Trust! As someone who is only 16 years old and inspires to be a Welder or be in the trades one day, steam locomotives have been part of my life for as long as i can remember, and seeing the work done on them intrigues me deeply. From Thomas the Tank Engine, to Laona and Northern 2-6-2 number 4, to a railfan who is about to see their first mainline steam locomotive (Canadian Pacific 2816) steam has never left my blood, and when it bit, it bit hard. The amount of history, community, interest, passion, talebt, and showmanship that these things produce is timeless, and unending. And i just want to give a huge thank you to all of the workers, volunteers, and supporters of the T1 Trust who are making this incredible work of art ready to rule the rails, because without you, the project would be nothing but a pipe dream! Together, we can one day all hear the lonesome 3 chime echo throughout the valley, feel the force of almost 1 million pounds come past us at 100 mph, and hear the monsterous stack talk working upgrade again as steam once was on the rails of our country!

[@williambarry8015]

You're a smart young dude. 👍👍👍👍 you're going to do well.

[@rjcantskate5815]

You must get off to this shit, full steam engine stiffy

[@fortheholyland8615]

God bless you fellas I hope my donation helps

[@ChrisYoshi92]

You guys are really passionate about bringing this massive type of locomotive back to life, and I massively respect that.

[@theextremeanimator4721]

This ain't a 2030 deadline. _This is a_ *_2026_* _date!_

[@davidsagona417]

What if they used it for the quarter millennial American Freedom Train! 🤔😮😊

[@theextremeanimator4721]

@@davidsagona417 Oooh!~

[@Arkay315]

Congratulations on your progress, I hope 5550 runs smooth with the quality parts you all are making.

[@fishlickmustaches8088]

The whistle in the intro is my alarm every morning!

[@pennsy6755]

Was an absolute blast seeing the frame back in may. I didn’t even knew it was there as I was focused on it being my first PRRTHS convention I’ve attended so when I was chatting with Pete Lerro he was like “hey ‘ya know they had the T1 frame out in the lot?” I was so confused and asked for more info and sure enough _it friggin was_ lol Cannot wait to see what 2025 holds for yinz. See ya in Harrisburg

[@legofan7478]

Truly amazing how much progress you’ve made! Amazing work from both you and Dover tank and plate have done! Keep up the amazing work!

[@DerLabbeduddel]

It is amazing to see it is still possible to build a brand new Steam Engine in this size. To have the engineers and skilled craftsman for such a project. Decades ago , I heard about the T1 for the first time in a book, and I was very sad that all of it was scraped. Now, it seems like a little wonder to see it comes back on the tracks. Thank you.

[@tracynation2820]

Super. I hope that ALL of the railroads let you operate this magnificent machine. 💙 T.E.N.

[@chooch1764]

The trust has been invited by multiple short lines and regional railroads to operate 5550, when completed.

[@mitch-mashgaming3116]

You guys are making so much progress on this, I can’t wait to see the big girl roll under her own steam

[@jtnous]

Fantastic! What a super project. History, technology, and steam!

[@jalbhagwagar3353]

You guys are making history ❤️🫡✊

[@larryc8568]

This is an amazing organization. I try to make contributions three times a year. While I can only give $50.00 at a time, I would like to encourage more folks to make a contribution of whatever amount they can. Even $5.00 of $10.00 can really help. Without our contributions, this work cannot happen. If we can get more people to contribute, it can happen more quickly.

[@chooch1764]

I really appreciate you donating! You are so awesome to do that. What really breaks my heart is some people want to prevent this project from happening and make a big deal out of their opinion. Donors, including you, make a big difference for preservation.

[@A-train-obsessed-proto-folf]

This is gonna be so cool when it’s finished

[@nicolashuffman4312]

Lawless is by far the coolest surname I've ever heard of!

[@AnimalsVehiclesAndMore]

That animation at the start of the video has to be one of the most realistic-looking animations I've ever seen.

[@FuelFire]

Holy shit, you guys are KILLING it with these! I can't wait to see this choochoo running one day!

[@AutZentus]

Very nice update, it's certainly interesting to see how the welding process for the frame has been going down. It's also nice to know what other parts of the engine you plan on doing next with the cylinders being the next thing, then making the running gear, getting the boiler & frame connected then following up with the drive wheels (provided that the last 2 drive wheels are done and ready before that step along with the trailing and pilot wheels for the frame), and then finally getting to the tender. So excellent work on both you and dover works.

[@IndianaNorthWestern]

Am I dreaming? I can't believe it's already this far done, I literally don't have any words other than GG lol

[@zigman8550]

I just hope when the 5550 is finished that Norfolk Southern will let her run on former PRR trackage around Horseshoe Curve.

[@chooch1764]

The focus right now is to operate on short line and regional railroads, mostly throughout the east.

[@threepea1151]

@@chooch1764I don’t think it can run on shortlines lol, way too heavy and long

[@chooch1764]

@@threepea1151 Oh, here we go again! The “mainline locomotives and short lines don’t mix” BS. How come 611 can operate at Strasburg just fine? You clearly don’t know the Pennsy T1 locomotives. Anywhere 611 can go, 5550 can go. Keep your opinions to yourself. Smfh

[@modemdog3649]

I don’t mean to squander your hope, but with NS current management, don’t count on it.

[@chooch1764]

@@mattydorr1522 The T1 Trust has said multiple times that anywhere 611 or 765 can go, 5550 will go too. I obviously listen to the T1 trust crews and not someone, who’s inexperienced with uninformed opinions.

[@Fedora5957]

Wow! Moving right along and full steam ahead I may even see this running before helping Jesus in his great roundhouse in the sky. Glad I could do a monthly automatic donation for the T-1 TRUST .

[@chooch1764]

Thank you so much for donating monthly! You are so awesome! I really appreciate you.

[@Johnnyhaotrains]

I cannot wait to see this thing I wanted to see it for years and now I finally get to see how much progress has been done on it. I can't wait to be on the first Excursion behind it

[@Stooltoad5017]

Good work.

[@JohnSchuster-yc6dp]

I agree

[@endersgametime4270]

T1 always comes back, this is how

[@brianhebert347]

I can't wait to see it.

[@Robertmitchell2121]

I CANT WAIT TO SEE HER ON THE RAILS!

[@endersgametime4270]

all hail T1s

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

I know I scoffed at this project in the past. Damn this is making some great progress. Definitely was wrong about it in the past. Hoping all the best for you guys. Can't wait to see it on the rails. Curious why fabricated frames were decided on. Was the original a cast frame and integral cylinder casting or bolted together castings?

[@PrrProductions5550]

Be honest, this locomotive was going to be revived some way. How cool would this be, a double header with 5550 and 1361? I will 100% be chasing the first T1 excursion for the company! Quick question: where do you plan on operating the locomotive once it’s finished?

[@chooch1764]

They have been invited by short lines and regional railroads from Indiana to New York state and even down at the Carolinas

[@Tom-Lahaye]

Nice to see the pile of plate parts going together, the welds should be great quality with this proces.

[@yogabumm]

Great job!

[@trainhuntersfamily8625]

Guys I have an idea for this things debut excursion, so what if they have a double header with the 611 and do a massive excursion run all across the east coast!

[@theidiotwithinternet]

Woo! I was wondering when we’d get an update!!

[@BrunoWiebelt]

excellent please show more welding videos. like the order of assembling

[@MathewDW]

Got my invitation but I’m going to be away in Texas during the event. I hope it’s successful.

[@Harrisonidk]

Nice work guys !

[@JohnSchuster-yc6dp]

wow I’m so excited when they are finally finished

[@THOMAS81Z]

hell yea , thats why; i support this

[@LEE_1076]

YESSIR!!! IT CAN BE DONE!!! ❤🚂

[@paulschulman8131]

Love it!

[@NW-gi1cp]

Mallard rn: 👁️👄👁️💧

[@YoLo-bb2vc]

nah more like "go for it kid im done, my time has been and passed lets see if the rumour was true" reason for this mallard is now 100% retired from active service fearful that any repairs to her would cost WAAAAAAY too much to get her back into active service.

[@threepea1151]

@@YoLo-bb2vcok that’s just stupid lol

[@YoLo-bb2vc]

@@threepea1151 its as stupid as the main comment so does it matter?

[@bakerboat4572]

@@threepea1151 Ross Rowland level foamers believing urban legends be like:

[@VestedUTuber]

More like: Mallard: "Go for it, kid, I'm rooting for you." British Foamers: "WE MUST PRESERVE MALLARD'S RECORD!"

[@EngineerDaylight]

I am very excited to witness 5550 myself

[@geoffgunn9673]

Those huts would be having a ball putting all this together and welding it

[@Infersphere]

I’m so glad you guys are doing this I would donate but I’m 12 so yeah. I love the T1 it’s my favorite duplex loco I would love to be on one of the excursion trains I’ve never even seen a steam locomotive in person so it be awesome

[@remsterrailroading2679]

I hope the next video or videos shows that you’ll have the frame, wheels, pistons, boiler and cab of the locomotive all put together/painted by then. After that I definitely wanna see the tender completed/attached to the locomotive and finally a test run video. Grand finale will officially be the T1 completed while pulling old school restored Pullman Pensilvania passenger cars for its first excursion run

[@chooch1764]

One Amtrak certified private Pullman rail car, named the Dover Harbor, owned by the Washington, DC Chapter of the NRHS would be great behind the T1 5550.

[@maximomiglionico430]

@@chooch1764 and then the t1 thrust will be rebranded into the s1 thrust i hope so!

[@chooch1764]

@@maximomiglionico430 The T1 Trust is going to remain as the T1 Trust. A PRR T1 would be way better to operate than a S1.

[@maximomiglionico430]

@@chooch1764 aw man!!!

[@Stubwood_on_YT]

Seriously impressive stuff! You guys gonna go for the world steam record when it's finished?

[@Adamu98]

Yup. They're going to Pueblo Colorado to do that. There's a circular test track there.

[@Adamu98]

Yup. They're going to Pueblo Colorado to do that. There's a circular test track there.

[@colestrains1]

OH MY GOD GUYS ITS HAPPENING!!!!

[@RetiredEE]

Interesting to see the details of construction. Is a weathering steel like a Cor-ten being used?

[@how_to_hallagon1]

I bought a T-shirt from you fellers

[@kevinyancey958]

Welding modular container frames for a semi trailer manufacturer in Stoughton, WI, I was welding at 34-36V @340A burning 360-400 IPM of .035" wire. My wire came from a barrel, not off of a spool and would last about a week between 2 shifts, totaling 18 hours a day for a 88 hour work week average. I welded at every station on the container line at the Evansville plant, from making parts, assembling frames, and operating the robotic welding operations for headers and door posts. I started in lift posts, lower frames, lift frames, 5th wheel plates, lower door frames, door frames, front frames, corner posts, lower front frames, lift skids, and then finally the robot. I was the only worker to have worked every station and had never had rework. I was missed for performance reviews twice, because I transferred from plant 6 to 8 and was transferred from assembly to welding departments. And as soon as the company needed to reduce its workforce, I was laid off. Why, you ask? Because I didn't fear the bosses and wouldn't kiss their behinds. I did my job as quick as I could, I did it as best as I could, cleaned up my area, and went home. I didn't screw around and I didn't help others do their job, as my boss would have liked. Why not? If a person couldn't do his job in the time given, then he either needed to be put on an easier job or they needed a second person on that job. Taking someone who does their job faster, because they put that much effort into doing it, then making them help another person afterwards is not right. If I had done my job a little slower, then I wouldn't have been available to help anyway. I saved the company 8 hours of pay a week because I worked harder. The two guys that worked the door frame assembly would finish early every night, then sit on their bench and wait until 15 minutes before the end of shift, clean up and punch out, every night. Why weren't they ever asked or told to help anyone? I was making at least 50 cents an hour less than anyone else in my area, but worked harder. When I worked on the robot, my partner and I would finish our jobs and make up parts for the day shift and leave them enough parts for their whole shift, and still punch out 2 hours early. The day shift would only leave enough parts for the first 2 hours of 2nd shift. We were building 10-15 units on 2nd shift (10 hours), to 1st shifts 8 in 8 hours. The plant manager had it in for me. He was my foreman when I started in assembly. We completed the last order of containers and I was sent down to the finishing end, then to another area to build air brakes. When he wanted me back on the line, he lost the battle to the lead guy in my area, even though he was a supervisor at the time. Then, within 6 months of my hire, he was promoted to 2nd shift plant manager (major brown nose) and I went to welded school and transferred to plant 8. About a year later, he came to my location as the new plant manager, and I knew things were going to go bad. As soon as they announced last offs, I knew I was out of a job. The drug tested me (randomly) for the first time since being hired 3 years earlier, then sent me back to the line. I didn't complain since I kept my higher pay as a welder, compared to the much lower pay for assembly. They kept me there for 4 months, brought me back to my old job for 2 nights and gave me my pink notice. As a side note, I worked with a guy who was caught tailgating in the parking lot, who was later promoted to foreman. That place lives on turn over, but appears to turn those that work hard and produce high quality, promote those that can't, and reward ass kissers. I've never kissed ass for a job, which is why I've been through several jobs. I don't party, watch sports, or participate in after work activities (bar) with people I work. I do my job and go home to my family. No regrets!

[@briangoodhue]

Will having a constructed frame allow more flexibility when it comes to any potential frame damages and repairs that may be needed?

[@richhood9934]

Awesome video. Very informative and I wish this project the best for continued progress and success! I recently read that The T1 Trust has a letter of interest from the Steam Railroading Institute to host 5550 when she's up and running, and I was wondering if there is a chance that the Institute could be a future open house venue or if they could host fundraiser trips with Pere Marquette 1225. It would be a good preliminary collaboration, in my opinion, a good way to get people aquainted with the tracks that 5550 will run on if Steam Railroading Institute is still a willing host in a few years, and also nice to see the 1225 running public/railfan-oriented excursions outside of Polar Express season

[@HardyTheStormChasinFurry]

I just had a thought a few minutes ago what if hear me out What if after the T1 is completed the T1 Trust build another steam locomotive like say a New York Central Hudson a New York Central Niagara a Pennsylvania Railroad Q2 the Pennsylvania Railroad S1 now please bear in mind that this is just my imagination but it would be so awesome to see one of these locomotives back on the rails again along with the T1

[@chooch1764]

The T1 Trust is not going to build another steam locomotive after 5550 is completed, so they are going to focus on her instead. How about you start a group to build a NYC Hudson or whatever from the ground up yourself? All talk, no action.

[@MrToby844]

Ask jk welding to do this! He can do anything

[@BiggHoss]

We very well might have a fully custom built T1 steam engine before we have GTA 6

[@PCrailfan3790]

Probably

[@MatthewAnderson707]

When the project is finished, is there any chance the T1 will visit Arizona or the American southwest? I know this is a northeastern locomotive, but it would be nice to see it be an ambassador for the Pennsy in other regions.

[@chooch1764]

The T1 will only be in the east coast.

[@XavierTheRailfanner_]

Really cool! How nice they decided to bring a steam locomotive from the extinct. if you can bring a t1 from extinction then a sd80mac is possible.

[@evanschwartz3030]

With the exception of the most recently recreated British steam locomotives, I always believed steam locomotive beds were case instead of being made of assembled plates to better withstand repeated stresses. And I always assumed it would be impossible to cast an engine bed the size and complexity of a T1 owing to the fact no foundry today would be capable of undertaking it. I sincerely hope a welded frame bed assembly holds up under extreme operating stresses. Further note, nothing was mentioned in regards to the four steam chests which most certainly would have to be cast pieces bolted together. Anyway I wish you guys the best of luck completing this major undertaking.

[@lucasgeesey4719]

this is impressive, after the T-1 is done, someone should rebuild a Hudson or Niagra, should be easy after this

[@chooch1764]

You can always start a group to build one yourself. The T1 Trust can give you great advice.

[@Feuer_Alex]

Hey, strange question, can I buy a copy of the construction plan for the P1, it is for my model building club 1:11 on 5 inch track.

[@T-rick]

Love it.

[@MarkPeters-p8e]

Why don’t you guys use an arc welder ?interesting is the boiler out of t-1 steel or hard ox

[@cykablyatman6242]

holy shit, how fast are you planning to main this?

[@southerncanadiancoins757]

once the frame is completed basically 75% of the engine will be done i think they will complete before 2030

[@chooch1764]

Actually the completion of the frame will put the project at about 50% done. Great progress though.

[@HeyItsAspen]

I wonder if this company could also make a new frame for a GG1, because that is one of the things that has been stalling any restoration attempts

[@ThePCPitStopInc]

are you guys gonna be teaming up with FWM Solutions for oil firing or is this gonna be coal powered like the original best of wishes to everyone on the project and donors as well

[@chooch1764]

5550 will be an oil burner.

[@rockguitarist931]

You might as well make two or three of them at this rate!

[@joejoejoejoejoejoe4391]

I guess the ability to cast the frame, cylinders and steam pipes in one piece, in steel has long gone.

[@punishedfink]

If azl made a big boy model when union Pacific restored there engine I hope they make a t1

[@Steamer96]

I thought locomotive beds were casted pieces of metal.

[@Texan392]

How was the original frame manufactured? Was it a welded or cast frame?

[@TheT1Trust]

It was a one piece cast frame

[@rudycarlson8245]

@@TheT1Trust is this locomotive going to be oil burning?

[@rtwpsom2]

Was the original a casting? I've seen blueprints for the cast frames of the UP 4000 class and those things were ridonculous.

[@Marquetteproductions]

Hello you guys I have a question if I purchase the 1time founders club thing dose that mean i don’t have to make another payment again or what

[@jeffwxyz]

Are you going to have the frame stress relieved?

[@TheT1Trust]

Yes

[@Backwardlooking]

👍🏻🇺🇸✌️🇬🇧

[@thomasdeturk5142]

That reminds me of shark boy.

[@FrankTedesco]

focus

[@jeffwxyz]

I appreciate the video and how you are sharing the details of the welding process, but it is difficult to listen to the commentary with the music. Please don't play music when people are speaking in your videos.

[@Comeng_]

Ok

[@kolsen6330]

I hated sub arc. Boring as hell and in the winter it doesnt even really keep you warm. A great job for apprentices. I had to run sub arc too many times while I was still working in the trade using that same Lincoln feeder. It does put down a lot of weld if you are dealing with heavy plate.

[@princessofthecape2078]

I would have preferred a J3A Hudson.

[@chooch1764]

Are you going to start a group to build one from the ground up yourself or be all talk about it and not actually doing anything about it?

[@backonpro5679]

And?

[@t1class]

溶接すごいな

[@M1Productions-2]

If you guys can’t build it you like men So watch your back

[@chooch1764]

They are building it. What is your problem?

[@threepea1151]

I still will never support this trust. I don’t dont support the idea of building a T1, It’s one of the top extinct American steam locos, but building it just to break an 85 year old record? I highly respect 4468, and it’s a record that nobody tried to beat back then once it was recorded and is just stupid now as steam locos are obsolete tech. If you built the T1 just to break the record, that’s just sad. We could have used a J3a, MILW A or F7, hell even a Niagara, but no. You decided this just to break a record. If you don’t break the record, then I have no problem.

[@chooch1764]

It’s not all about the speed the record. The locomotive will be used for excursions on short lines and tourist railroads. If you want a J3a? How about you start a group to build one from the ground up, instead of just complaining?

[@Stooltoad5017]

At least some of those you mentioned are also rumored to have broken the record, and I’d bet that if a trust came along and built them they’d at least try for the record. Most class ones with speed demons like the T1 didn’t spend the time to truly test the top speed. If we successfully build a gigantic 4-4-4-4 passenger engine duplex locomotive, might as well see how fast they could go since the Pennsy didn’t test the top speed themselves. Its just that a monster 4-4-4-4 speed demon duplex may be faster than a speedy 4-6-2. 5550 will have some modern advancements (such as being welded instead of casted, updated poppet valve gear, etc), but nothing so far that the historical T1s probably couldn’t do. If 5550 wins, than it likely means that if the Pennsy tested it themselves they likely could have taken the record in their time anyway. They didn’t choose T1 specifically for breaking the record. There are easier builds for that (some of which you already mentioned). They chose the T1 because they like the locomotive.

[@TimothySpadano]

What a lame comment.

[@threepea1151]

@@Stooltoad5017 Thank you for being the only civil one here. It’s true what you said, might as well try to beat it I guess but where would they even do so? Only place I see is the NEC or the Pueblo testing center, but would the FRA even allow a steam locomotive to even go that fast? Network Rail, the equivalent of the FRA in Britain, restricts all steam locomotive to 75 mph, and locomotive with driving wheels smaller than 6’2 have to go slower than that. Only one is allowed to go 90 mph And that’s 60163

[@Stooltoad5017]

@@threepea1151 I believe the plan is to test it at Pueblo, Colorado. Outside of that it probably won’t go it’s top speed even if it were invited to a class one. I have even heard that somebody even stepped up to pay for the locomotive’s time there but I am not totally sure about that. Either way, the plan is to test in Pueblo.