Cart Before the Horse

We’re overdue for an update to our supporters! In the last months we’ve taken the cab from it’s base coat of primer, and riveted the drip guards back on. We then sanded, applied a second coat of primer, and sanded once again. Now we are proud to show off for the first time in over a century, #4’s cab in factory-spec Baldwin green!

Only a couple steps left to go. Next up, the interior of the cab will be lined with wood, and then we will apply the aluminum lettering and install windows.

Being indoors, the artificial lighting does not show the color well. This view brings out the olive-drab hue of the Baldwin green better.

Earlier this summer, we graciously accepted the donation of an air compressor from the Illinois Railway Museum. It’s of the same type that #4 was equipped with. We wasted no time in disassembling the compressor for evaluation, and so far we are surprised to find that no major red flags have presented themselves. Our volunteers are finalizing the scope of work for the compressor, and we look forward to having the first fully functional part of #4 sometime in the future.

When we took ownership of the air compressor from IRM in July, we weren’t too sure of what we had gotten.

Now disassembled, we can get a good look at what shape the internals are. We are surprised at how well the compressor remained sealed up since it was stored outdoors.

With our first major project of the cab drawing to a close, it's time to begin preparing for the next phase of #4's return to steam! The rehabilitation of our little engine's tender will be extensive. The years have taken their toll on this part of the engine and we will need your help as we evaluate and repair or replace various parts of the tank, frame, and trucks.

Help us get off to a strong start on the tender and support us with a donation, or by purchasing one of our #4 ornaments this season! You can find them for sale here!