T1 Trust 2024 Open House |

The T1 Trust organized an open house at the Blair County Convention Center on Friday, May 10th, and Saturday, May 11th. During this event, the progress made on the frame of #5550 was showcased.
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The Fired Up Trains Website:
fireduptrainz.com/
Follow us on Instagram:
/ fut_productions
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Support the #5550 at:
prrt1steamlocomotivetrust.org/
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Video filmed 5/11/24

[@jbran7817]

A full set of freshly cast steam locomotive drivers feels like something that isn’t allowed to exist anymore

[@southern207hobbies]

Depends on the fra approval

[@eddingtonrailroading]

I know, it looks like something that came out of a Time Machine

[@levidarling5107]

Tell me about it, when was the last time you saw a steam loco being constructed for the mainline, with LOVE mind you?

[@Stooltoad5017]

Especially of this type.

[@RacerAMX70]

Thank you very much Paul Nichini for your generous donation to our project.

[@farmerdave7965]

As a former foundry worker, I approve of those wheels.

[@FuelFire]

Keep going, guys! This thing will be awesome and maybe even break Mallard's old record of fastest steam locomotive in the world. Only time will tell.

[@choodude4660]

Inspiration's speed record -- 148.308 mph -- is in danger, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inspiration_(car) Let alone Mallard's official record of 126 MPH.

[@davidmason7765]

I doubt UK National Rail Museum will make Mallard available for a 21st century head to head but theres always the other preserved A4s!

[@smhorse]

Mallard unlikely ever to steam again anyway.

[@professorjamesmoriarty5191]

​@@Matts_Conrail_Chicago_Mainlinewhat makes you say that?

[@ThePaulv12]

Mallard's record only stands because it was verifiable. It is very likely exceeded many times perhaps even in revenue service.

[@howardrisby9621]

Impressive! You can't turn your back on those Pennsy T1 types for a minute .... seems like there's constant steady progress.👍 Love the comment at 9'44" "were not in this to make money" ... it reminded me of the old chestnut "How do you end up with a small fortune from railroading?" 😂

[@kensbackshop6399]

I hope i live long enough to see this engine run and to see it on horseshoe curve would be super awesome i seen videos of theT-1 on the curve back in the day

[@F40M07]

If we can build a T1 out of thin air (not really), then dammit we can do it with the J3A.

[@chooch1764]

Are you going to start a group to build a J3A from the ground up? I’ve been asking that to other folks who are interested in such campaign, but I get no response… 🤷‍♂️

[@mokou2526]

​@@chooch1764because not everyone has the time and money to even start one in the first place, all F40M07 was saying is that tons of people also want to see the J3A hudson (one of the best looking streamliners imo) rebuilt. Im glad the T1 is making progress, but we all deep down wish for the J3A to rule the rails of NY again.

[@chooch1764]

@@mokou2526 That’s what I thought. What really ticks me off is when people say the T1 Trust should’ve done a NYC Hudson and not a Pennsy T1. Again, is anyone going to start a NYC Hudson Trust? Only the future will tell…

[@overpoweredsteamproduction513]

Why always go that big though? I wanna see a new build of a C&IM 4-4-0

[@F40M07]

@@Matts_Conrail_Chicago_Mainline just the NYC’s CEO.

[@ovathehedgehogandava1840]

We’re Almost there to bring back history. This is like Jurassic Park but for Steam Locomotives Can’t wait to see it… online, as it’s highly likely It won’t reach the West Coast.

[@ovathehedgehogandava1840]

Still awesome neither the less.

[@jamesgroccia644]

Yeah. I doubt it’ll come east of the Corridor, which is a damn shame bc the only steamers I’ve seen were either static display or just a prop (ie Thomas @ Edaville Railroad). Context: I have photos of B&M 410 - an 0-6-0 tender switcher at the Lowell Mill Museum - and Groveton Engine no.5, an 0-4-0ST switcher. I also saw but didn’t photograph the Vermont Central 7531 (painted Grand Trunk), an 0-6-0 in Gorham, NH. I’ve also seen Bonhomie & Hattiesburg Southern no250, a 2-6-2 on static display at Edaville.

[@Nighttime-Challenger]

Nice to hear an update about 5550.

[@user-pp1ni2jy3f]

I see progress, so I plan to donate again, keep the steam up.

[@chooch1764]

Thank you so much for donating! It’s greatly appreciate it!

[@kylehc15]

im glad to see more stuff been quiet for a while and im happy to see more i cant wait till it finished

[@davidmason7765]

It's happening!!! Thanks from Australia. In NSW Australia our beloved 38 express locomotive class had Boxpok drivers too, but 5 ft 9 inch same as the Big Boys. These wheels are so great

[@davevan8864]

My favorite locomotive. My father in laws brother worked on the World's Fair S-1 so I am a PRR fan. If economic times get a little better I will try and send $

[@chooch1764]

Really appreciate your support for this project!

[@mikefilipkowski5445]

with the building of T1 5550. it feels like your stepping back in time to a age were steam was king

[@StephenCarlBaldwin]

Wonderful to see this much progress. Go #5550!

[@capefeartrainsandsirens]

Can’t wait till this beauty is finished! Nice job!

[@SamoTheEgg]

now we just need the Dreyfuss Hudson lol

[@chooch1764]

Are you going to be the one to actually start a group for one?

[@SamoTheEgg]

@@chooch1764 idk maybe

[@brianfalzon6739]

Can't wait for 5550 to be finished soon!

[@Airfixmodeller]

Now it’s just the competition, Britain’s building the prince of wales, and the state’s building a T1. Bring it on America!

[@vornamenachname727]

Not even a question, the T1 wins my heart in every aspect. Saying that as a german steam enthusiast.🚂🚂🚂

[@levidarling5107]

T1’s, P2’s Patriots!!! Train heaven this century is turning into! What next? Pre-grouping tank engines?! Let us do our best to make these engines come to life!

[@mattomon1045]

It is great to see this !

[@sebastianmarconi2855]

Great video!

[@johnknippenberg-LandmarkYards]

Very cool, keep up the good work!

[@troystubby2216]

So Cool!

[@royo1450]

AWESOME

[@aalcomtive]

yay the wheels aare complete

[@user-eo4xw3co4q]

YEAAAAA WOOOOOO

[@thesudricmerman3318]

bet she going look amazing when finished as am from uk and who seen few new build locomotives and once nearing completion am look forward to seeing t1 steam for first time ever online in person one day

[@DieselDaysandSmokeStacks]

So cool.

[@tiernanflynn]

Hi, thank you for documenting the Open House from someone who couldn't make it. I also wanted to ask. Do you know what the part that supposedly came off of one of the original T1s was?

[@FiredUpTrains]

It was a brake linkage that came off a T1 waiting to be scrapped.

[@tiernanflynn]

@@FiredUpTrains Thank you for the swift reply! That is so intriguing. It’s incredible something like that was preserved. Have they said what they’ll be doing with it? Will it be returned to its owner?

[@FiredUpTrains]

@@tiernanflynn It has been donated to the trust. It is TBD if the part goes on the engine.

[@tiernanflynn]

@@FiredUpTrainsThank you for the insight!

[@AL-mz2wh]

"Oh yeah, it's all comin together..."

[@ernestimken6969]

The T1 set a speed record 140 mph.

[@cadespencer6320]

No that was the S1 and that was never even confirmed

[@harryschubert2490]

Go for the speed record and beat Mallard!

[@Pyrotrainthing]

With 80 inch drivers. T1's were made for holding the record for fastest steam locomotive. Only way you could beat them is if someone decided to manufacture a new steam engine design with larger drivers that somehow don't damage the track just by sitting on it.

[@anthonycook5238]

Wow I had no idea that the counterbalances were full of lead shot . Is this always been the case? On steam locomotives.?

[@Katpz.V]

Can I get a job here helping this is one of my most favorite steam locomotive

[@chooch1764]

They don’t hire. This group is s nonprofit, so everyone is a volunteer at the T1 Trust.

[@whatusernameis5295]

yhe the stupid thing is that the Montezuma (class 25) could theoretically pull this (or at least the version that mark is making with the slightly larger pistons,)

[@Johnnyshotrains.]

Can't wait to see those going 100 mph

[@MarkLac]

It would be nice, but I could see it only happening in the FRA Test Track.

[@johnblair8146]

@@MarkLac Fine. I’d be one NYC buff that would go to Pueblo and cheer my head off.

[@johnblair8146]

@@Matts_Conrail_Chicago_Mainline Conrail was the biggest disappointment/tragedy in the history of everything. Why do you celebrate it?????

[@MarkLac]

@@Matts_Conrail_Chicago_Mainline correct. Too many restrictions and liability being a big one.

[@buecomet831]

Are there any other big engine parts that still need to be done besides the frame of it? I feel like you guys got the hard parts done so far.

[@FiredUpTrains]

The cylinders are one of the largest parts left to make.

[@buecomet831]

@@FiredUpTrains I can't wait to see them once they are completed? Do you guys think you might complete it under 2030 from the progress you are on?

[@Stooltoad5017]

Cylinders, boiler internals, tender work (still needs to be converted to oil firing), stuff required for the engineer/fireman to interact with the locomotive, etc.

[@buecomet831]

@@Stooltoad5017 Ah ok, thx for the info

[@daniko4447]

The discord links aren't working

[@topgunfurry]

1 question? How’s the tenders modification progress?

[@FiredUpTrains]

Work has not commenced as there is currently no need to start on the tender yet. They have already selected a shop that will handle all the necessary work to modify the tender

[@topgunfurry]

@@FiredUpTrains ok

[@regularguy7266]

I have a very big question. So recently, I had seen this video then have read the Trains Magazine article that has also came out on the Open House. However, in the article, I noticed something interesting when it states that the T1 Trust helped manufacture Nathan Manufacturing 4000C Injectors for large steam locomotives. At the end of that list was Chesapeake and Ohio 614 of all locomotives, which I realized wasn't confirmed to have been announced to be restored. So, was this an error on the publisher/writer's side of Trains Magazine, or is this soft-confirmation on C&O 614's restoration to operation?

[@chooch1764]

From what I heard, who ever owns the 611 is being prepared for any feasible opportunities to restore 614 to operation. Even though it’s unknown, but I’d keep your eyes peeled for something.

[@regularguy7266]

@@chooch1764 that would be Steam Operations Corporation/Virginia Museum of Transportation who takes care of 611. Where did you hear that information from?

[@chooch1764]

@@regularguy7266 No, I’m not talking about 611.

[@regularguy7266]

@chooch1764 I know, you just said that the people who restored and are operating N&W 611 were thinking about restoring C&O 614, i was just saying that Steam Operations Corporation and the Virginia Museum of Transportation are those people. I was mainly asking where you got your rumor from?

[@chooch1764]

@@regularguy7266 Oh, whoever owns 614 is what I meant to say.

[@ajstevenson4181]

Why are you not building the locomotive as originally designed, omitting the portholes and significant tender streamlining?

[@chooch1764]

You can’t really build it as originally designed, because it would be a very costly way to go. It’s explained a bit in the video. Also, you have to take the original design against current codes and standards and make adjustments as necessary.

[@Stooltoad5017]

Casting it like they did historically would make the project significantly more expensive and time consuming with nothing to actually gain from it.

[@smhorse]

As long as the eco-mentalists don't restrict or ban the supply of fuel, steam (whether heritage or new-build) has a future. Less of a problem in the US, it is likely to be a considerable problem for British steam in the years to come.

[@outlawflyer7868]

man,you gotta get you some lavalier mics bro. when you face the trailer, we can barely hear you. when completed, will this train being doing a US tour? Making sure to hit EVERY city including cleveland (hint.hint) lol

[@chooch1764]

The T1 Trust has been invited by multiple short lines and regional railroads to operate 5550, mostly throughout the east.

[@scotturley5344]

How is this fabricated frame going to compare to the original caste version, will the weight on drivers change? Just wondering whether this replica will be able to address the unanswered questions about the viability of the original design. Must admit, oil firing is so disappointing, although I understand the importance of prioritizing running opportunities and reducing maintenance costs

[@Stooltoad5017]

They were able to deal with the wheel slip issue historically (at least on the design).

[@davidfuller581]

Modern welding techniques should mean that the frame is just as rigid as a single piece cast frame in spite of being built-up. As far as wheelslip, I believe they did some CAD testing and figured out why - improper balancing, IIRC. As far as oil firing - the other advantage is it can use _any_ liquid hydrocarbon, including used cooking oil and biodiesel.

[@The_Rayman_Derivative]

It's... happening?

[@chooch1764]

Of course it is!

[@GageisGreat12]

Nice to see something else about the US’ first new build… you guys think you’d ever consider a second extinct engine once 5550 is finished?

[@Adamu98]

Nyc hundson, please.

[@johnblair8146]

@@Adamu98 When the T-1 is finished, the Hudson will soon follow, rest assured.

[@Stooltoad5017]

I think the trust should be able to rest after years of hard work. Once they’re finished they will then have a large duplex locomotive to take care of.

[@chooch1764]

I think it’s time someone else should do a NYC Hudson Trust and let the T1 Trust guys focus on 5550. Some people say “let’s build a NYC Hudson”, then I suggest them starting a campaign for it. All I get is silence. Some people are too lazy to start something these days.

[@GageisGreat12]

I asked mainly because over in the UK, they built an extinct type called a Peppercorn A1. The engine was complete by 2009, (project started in 1990) and as soon as it was finished they began work on another engine called a P2. Interesting to think about what types could be brought back, especially here in the US once the concept is proven with #5550.

[@maxwellwalcher6420]

is 5550's Drivers are they 69 inches.

[@chooch1764]

No. They explained in the video that are 72 inches in diameter. Please watch the whole video before start asking questions.

[@maxwellwalcher6420]

@@chooch1764 oh right are they Box Pok Style drivers.

[@brickleyyard4966]

Love the project but you'll never be available or aloud to beat mallard but its grand to see new locomotives being biult to show generations to what thies magnificent mechanics can do

[@chooch1764]

The T1 Trust is way ahead of you. They already have a sponsor to pay for their trip and testing fee to the Transportation Technology Center test track in Pueblo, Colorado. Therefore, they can go for the speed record.

[@ChargerusPrime]

They need to make sure the springs are properly equalized so we dont have the accursed slip-tastic events these engines were known for. They also need to have every axle done with roller bearings so she's good to run in mainline service. The FRA are jerks about that. Its why 4449 cant run again unless an entire new frame is cast with integral cylinders for her that are designed for roller bearings and not plain bearings. Either that or maybe SKF might could be brought in. SP&S 700 is fully roller bearinged out though, so she could actually be run on the mainline if she gets outfitted with either full PTC or Lea-PTC like 2926 and cpr 2816 have. 2816 has the full suite apparently. 5550 will require full PTC as well.

[@choodude4660]

The original T1's had roller bearings on all the axles and the rod bearings as well. Just like 5550 will have.

[@ChargerusPrime]

@@choodude4660 that's definitely good to hear. Now they just need to give up the world steam speed record. Just makes them look like A-holes.

[@chooch1764]

They’re still going for the speed record, regardless what you say. Negative opinions don’t contribute to preservation.

[@ChargerusPrime]

@@chooch1764 logic dictates actually. And there's SERIOUSLY no point to it. Just makes them look like assholes wanting something to brag about. Doing dangerous bullshit that makes for extremely unnecessary wear and tear doesn't help preservation either. The fact that you're actually getting it done should be enough, don't be daft.

[@chooch1764]

@@ChargerusPrime I’m not involved with the T1 Trust. I actually follow them with everything they say because they are professional steam guys that know what they are doing. Are you a steam professional?

[@WiilyDerbbinphlatte]

This is so exciting, almost as exciting as a Big Boy coming back to life. One concern I have though is this constant talk of setting a speed record with it. Why? Who cares? After building a T1 from the ground up wouldn't it be more important to preserve it and take care of it for future generations rather than setting a speed record with it and doing damage to it, or God forbid something much worse? Why this talk of a speed record. Who cares how fast it can go? I'd rather see it taken care of and just run it normal.

[@chooch1764]

Uh oh, we got another skeptical. The T1 Trust crews have over 200 years of combined experience working on steam locomotives. This locomotive will be safe to operate. They already have a sponsorship to pay for their trip and testing fee for the Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, Colorado. That place has a test track and it’s designed for high speed running. You don’t like making history…sad.

[@WiilyDerbbinphlatte]

@@chooch1764 Like I said, who cares how fast it can go?

[@chooch1764]

@@WiilyDerbbinphlatte I’m sure a lot of other people care about how fast it can really go. Just keep your opinions to yourself.

[@WiilyDerbbinphlatte]

@@chooch1764 Oh ok, will do. Free speech not allowed. Got it.

[@chooch1764]

@@WiilyDerbbinphlatte If you don’t care about the speed record, why did you comment in the first place? Lol

[@DCxViper]

the T1 was literally the worst Steam engine the PRR ever built but y'all have fun with the same issues they had

[@chooch1764]

The T1 Trust will be addressing all of the issues with the newly built T1. FYI, only the prototype T1s were slippery. Also, Pennsy engineers didn’t have proper training when they transitioned from the 4-6-2 K4 to the 4-4-4-4 T1. Hopefully you learned something new today.