2022 Was a great year for the PRR T1 Trust and is setting up for 2023 to become a pivotal year for the whole project with the start of construction of the frame. WMSR 1309 videos by Stephan Thomas and Justin Hicks
I remember sending a fan letter to the T1 trust when I was little and they were so kind with their response, now year's later I have made my first donation 😀keep up the good work guys!
@@nicholastrainssd75m45 I thought you would say you were 5 or something when sent it.🤣 I'm glad us younger people are able to support history and bring it back to life!
the fact its also not the only group doing something similar makes me so freaking happy. especially cause the one thing killing the future of preservation is the death of the skills needed to restore and maintain these beasts. but projects like this could lead to the rebirth of the nessesary skills and as such a rebirth in the preservation movement. but with the way govs are going with thier despisal of anything and everything coal it might be a dying dream. hopefully not tho.
Apparently some people is Sheffield are also trying to rebuild some old steam locomotives that were scrapped a long time ago. The old iron horses may soon see a new resurgance!
People congratulate the UP-steam team for bringing 4014 back from the grave, which would be no small task and was great to see such an icon of the rails in operation for the first time in years but building a locomotive that is a similar size and complexity from scratch without a decent starting point is much more of an accomplishment.
So proud to be a Founders Club member, watching this goliath return to life piece by piece, day by day. Cannot wait for the project to progress to those huge milestones, to hear that 3 chime sing from the steam of 5550 once more...
I’ve been watching this project since it began in 2013, when I was just a kid. Now I’m in college, and even more eagerly following this. The 2000s seem to be the century of disproving the doubters in rail preservation, and I hope the trend continues.
I heard the T1 Trust is in the planning stages with K&L Trainz getting the 5550 locomotive made for Trainz Simulator. That would definitely be an awesome fundraiser for sure!
To say that I am truly grateful to all of the individuals for bringing back such a piece of history, like this Pennsylvania Railroad T-1 and one of the original Pennsylvania Railroad Tenders (great find) I have no words to describe this. I’m just sorry that at least one of these could not be preserved at the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum in Strasburg, PA. Excellent work to all of you as a true admirer of, especially the Pennsylvania Railroad and the rest of the Fallen Flag Railroads that helped to build this great Nation. Thank You
It’s been a few years now since I’ve become aware of your trust, and I’m so excited for the completion of the new T1! I’m even working on joining your Founders Club! 😁 If you guys do see this, I have a question that just popped in my head: due to the slight modernization you guys have to do (modified frame construction, PTC and other systems, conversion to oil, etc.) will you guys be classifying 5550 as a T1a, like the PRR did with the J1 and J1a? I think it would be a nice nod to the Pennsy’s nomenclature, but I’m totally fine with whatever you guys choose to do.
@@miles_da-tractor_man Well, the base design is a T1, but like I said it’s been improved. I used the PRR J1 and J1a as an example because they’re pretty much the same engine, except the J1a had a solid cast frame and different metallurgy. Just that alone distinguishes the two. So it would make sense for 5550 to be classified as a T1a, since it’s an improvement, albeit minor, over the original.
Just realized there are two Belpaire fireboxes that will soon be in operation in the US. Amazing progress you all have made. Will be awesome when we get to see 5550 in steam.
PRR T1 No. 5550 is the evolved member of its class the original PRR T1 just like 60163 Tornado, 72010 Hengist, and LNER P2 Prince of Wales and B17 Spirit of Sandringham. I would love to see the engine being in steam someday.
An idea for a fundraiser: Have the person that did the animation at the beginning and end do a 30-45 min film of it running in different locations, seasons, high and low speeds, etc. I'd pay good $ for it.
the dedication of each and every member who helped with this project deserves all the praise, i can hardly wait to see what 2023 has in store for your team and the production of parts. Happy New Year T1 Trust and good luck in the coming year.
The project is going at a good pace now. Also, after watching the video I understand why was started with the boiler and not with frames like on most UK recreations. These are nothing like the relatively simple plate frames on British steamers, but as I understood the original frames were cast in steel as 2 singel piece parts, including cylinders? And the frames are going to be fabricated out of sheet steel? which I can imagine as these castings would cost a fortune. The fun fact which describes the size of this locomotive, the British LNER A4 which has the official world speed record which the T1 trust is hoping to break, has equal sized drivers. But the overal height of the A4 is exactly the boiler centerline of the T1. The overal length of loco and boiler is 2x the A4 for the T1. Hopefully the T1 project does initiate more new builds in the US like the A1 'Tornado' did in the UK. Locomotives which I would like to see rebuilt are the afore mentioned NYC Hudson and Niagara, but the Milwaukee A class 4-4-2 and F-7 (not the EMD product) Hudson 4-6-4 would be great examples too.
It would be nice if the T1 build initiated some further builds. That fun fact is about the most non-fun fact there is, and about the most meaningless. That comparison is comparing the size of two different locomotives from two different countries. Fun fact: the T1 has larger drivers than the DRG E19 and is slower. Doesn't really mean anything... just enjoy the T1 for what it going to be...
@@muir8009 Longer then the Big Boy, when you also count their tenders. lol. On the other hand, Big Boy is more flexible. Shame they could not incorporate some Garrett setup for the drive wheels,(think heavy load wagon, here), would have made her slightly more flexible. O well, maybe something for a T1b, if they are that nuts & driven. And who knows, maybe this might see the restoration of more Big Boys. That would be fun. One can always hope. Triplex always failed because the third set was not supporting a boiler. Would be nice if they could continue with a mallard/Garrett, hybrid, if the mallard part is setup as a heavy load wagon (for tree's), then it would have a turn-plate to support the boiler. Garrett style water bunker on the nose, streamlined all the way and a corridor tender for crew changes. Find a place to hide a Wayne and/or Stark logo....., for the fun factor and....... One can dream, not like that will ever happen. Just glad that trains are cheaper then ships, just think what it would cost to resurrect a warship or so. Hopefully, we will one day see a race between Big Boy & T1.
It's interesting to see something as gigantic as this being attempted from scratch. European and British steam faces an uncertain future because the green lobby/ environmentalists hold all the political power and are making certain that fossil fuels will never again be used for power generation. I'm not sure what the preservationists will run their locomotives on in the next 50 years, but it won't be coal from a mine and even oil is by no means certain.
Been following this project since 2018, I’m so proud of you guys at the T1 trust with all the progress you’ve made! Happy New Years and can’t wait to see what’s next for the T1!
What an education in manufacturing, having to understand complex knowledge from the 1940's and then translate into contemporary methods, and understanding complexities such as maintaining flexibility. Wjat a rewarding project that helps you appreciate both how far we've come and a few things that grandpa knew that might have otherwise been lost. Wonderful.
this comes up a lot, but, as a Limey, it seems to me that a lot of US railfans would also love to see (a pair of...?) GG1 prowling the 'high iron' (as you chaps are wont to say) as well. I am familiar with some of the problems, for example the PCB's issue - over here there have been a couple of AC electrics restored to mainline running and i understand that it was not entirely straightforward! otherwise, I take my hat off to you ladies and gentlemen - this is a terrific undertaking and I am sure you will have the success you deserve. Pip-Pip!
Well... I can tell that the UK will have a bit of a complimentary project, in regards to reviving a unique steam engine that sadly went extinct. Their's being the LNER P2.
Over here in South Australia we have something gong on too to restore a Locomotive that's basically a smaller cousin to the PRR T1 in design, Minus the Duplex Wheels. The SAR Class 520. Good to see some progress going on for its Big Sister in the US.
What you guys need to do when you finish the project is get a hold of Guinness world records and see if you can dethrone the British for the world title of "Fastest recorded Steam Locomotive". I think that would be an awesome achievement to add to the provenance of your new T1 locomotive.
The world record for the Mallard is only 126 mph, historically the T1 can reach speeds of 140 according to my light research. So theoretically, even with the configuration the T1 trust is going for, it is completely possible.
@@AJAX15221 historically the 140 and 153 by the S1 is the same as listening to the guy that says his skyline can do 180mph and produces 800hp. In theory, yes. In theory the other obvious contender and the one that has officially met Mallards record over a constant rather than a momentary burst is still perfectly functional. Theres still those that consider 999's 112.5 to actually be a valid and achieved speed which says it all.
you guys are crazy to be building a WHOLE steam engine........ . like, even if you wanted to, you simply CANT build it like they did in the 40s.... a lot of that is a "lost art" now days plus, with CAD, you can make it better, cheaper, and make it last longer . i love it.... keep up the GREAT work
OK, seeing them do something like this is inspiring me quite a bit, here. Since they’re producing this locomotive, here’s a few more extinct steamers that should be built in the future. NYC 4-8-4 Niagara NYC Empire State Epress Hudson NYC Dreyfuss Hudson PRR 2-10-4 J1 C&O 2-10-4 T1 SP 2-8-8-4 AC-9 SP 4-8-2 MT N&W 2-8-8-2 Y6b New Haven I-5 Hudson B&O 2-8-8-4 EM-1 Just to name a few beautiful steamers that were sadly disposed of throughout history.
@@therailfanman2078 Southern Pacific had some absolutely beautiful steamers. The MT Class 4-8-2 Mountains are some of my favorite locomotives the SP had. Those things are so scarce in the O scale model world. I’ve yet to see one in O scale. That’s a beautiful engine that I’d love to see in person. And the New York Central Niagara is my favorite 4-8-4 Northern steamer ever. I love all kinds of 4-8-4 steam locomotives but that Niagara is something special in my honest opinion. It’s just a shame that these railroads didn’t even consider preserving a few for historical purposes. But seeing this thing being built today makes me think that others could be revived as well.
I dunno if you guys read the comments that often, but if there are plans for this thing to meet areas of PA. Would it be at all possible for it to at least visit Strausburg and (maybe) do some brief excursions or would the train be too heavy to run on those rails? And when the spirit of Altoona K4 #1361 is completed will there be a meeting?
When the locomotive is finally complete don't let Amtrack boss you around because this locomotive need to be seen by the public because it is a significant part of railroading history and need to be doing mainline excursions and because Amtrack acts like their the big S*** that's why almost every stem locomotive in America has been relegated to heritage railroads
When this big guy is finnished,the next loco trust yall need to start,a new york central hudson trust,trust me I love the T1,it has made a mark in me,but to see a NYC hudson in real life. That would be a dream come true,so when the t1 has been built,please start the NYC hudson trust.
@@chooch1764 ok their are many things wrong with that but ill narrow it down to 2,one I'm 15 and still in high-school and don't have the money to start something like that,and 2,even if I did have the funds to Start it,It won't last long if I don't have people to support my cause nor people to invest in the Hudson trust.
@@henrybigGreen Lack of confidence won’t get you closer to a newly build hudson. It takes a lot of time and patience. Also, I’m sure a lot of fans would donate to that cause I’m sure a lot of other railfans would donate to get a newly build NYC running. It’s just annoying to see some complain about the T1 project, saying they should’ve done a NYC hudson instead. Not saying you’re one of them, but that’s what I usually say to them T1 complainers.
In the beginning I thought you were nuts But if the British can build an A1 pacific from scratch and Union Pacific can restore a BIG BOY then anything is possible
The T1 Trust said that the 3 best locations that are offering final assembly for the locomotive are located in Pennsylvania and Ohio, which is where the Pennsylvania Railroad mainly operated.
Can you build the LBSCR E2 tank engine back to live as well? It will be very awesome to see them back up and running, including to overhaul them of much more bigger coal bunker for expand load of coal to travel long distance as well shunting freight cars and coaches in the sidings.
I have a question for these people: When the T1 eventually gets built, I imagine that the poppet valves that infamously gave the original T1s so much trouble due to their inability to withstand the high speeds and immense power that the T1s were capable of will be fixed. As such, do the T1 Trust intend to see if the claims of the locomotive's ability to reach speeds of nearly 150 miles per hour are, in fact, true? I think it would be incredible if someone finally beat Mallard's record after over 80 years.
@@oL5re9re55ion Would that location provide similar conditions under which Mallard set its record? Remember that when Mallard reached 126 mph, it was pulling a fully-loaded train on a main line track. I feel like it wouldn't be quite as legitimate if another steam locomotive exceeded that speed unladen and on what would essentially be a drag strip.
@@furioussherman7265 The main track at TTC is a 13.5 mile loop with several curves, not a straight line. Note also that the Mallard achieved the record on a downward grade. TTC track is level, so the T1 won't be aided by gravity like the Mallard was. I'm sure if they take it there to test the record they would do it pulling cars.
The A1 Steam Locomotive trust would just build Gresley's proposed Super A4, but teasing aside, Vernon Smith's work is well worth checking out because the Franklin valves worked very well. How well valve and seats would withstand rapid opening and closing is another matter. Distortion and leakage of the poppet valves and their seats were identified and this was one of the factors which caused Chapelon to revert to piston valves. Interestingly his pupil Porta would not consider poppet valves and neither would his successors. Light weight multi ring piston valves with cooled rubbing surfaces were preferred.
Love you guys do but my friend you have an audio problem I can't wait until this locomotive is built very excited for you to top speed test this locomotive good luck in all your endeavors God bless you guys keep up the great work
Regardless of what happens. There’s still more of a T1 in existence now that there has been in around 70 years I just wish Texas would do something with T&P #610 or the old texas & New Orleans 771 mk5 mikado that’s in grapevine……. I live not far from the route that 771 would take to make its trip from Victoria to Brownsville… along the gulf coast….. 771 has travelled over 2million miles on the coast hauling freight and pulling a regular passenger train….. I have found the remains of rail beds and a few trestles in Victoria, goliad, mathis Corpus Christi, robstown and others….. I’ve also seen 771 in person didn’t know that it was a local to me locomotive at the time….. I did research on 771 afterwards. There are only 4 other mk5 mikados of her type. And 771 was scheduled for restoration around 15 years ago. But sadly it has never happened…… it sits exposed to the elements rotting away with layers of fading paint….. in grapevine….. 320 miles away from where she originally ran……..
We are showing everything ordered has been shipped, Not sure how your order got missed. Send an email to prrt15550@gmail.com with your order info and we will get it taken care of ASAP. Sorry about that.
Would it be possible to use parts from other steam engines that are on static display to get the T1 running? I feel like that'd make it slightly easier to rebuild this locomotive
Too many parts are unique to the T1. Plus the engines on static display are owned by others and often protected by state or federal law as historical artifacts, not things that could be taken apart.
Hey 5550 maybe reach out to azl and get a z gauge T1 made like what they did when union Pacific restored the big boy. Maybe work with them to get some of the revenue go to the project. Now that suggestion was selfish for me. I really want a z gauge T1. But the ideas there maybe reaching out to other model train manufacturers to have a 5550 model in other scales to help found raise.
It reduces dynamic augment, enhances balancing, evens out distribution, that was the aim in theory and it does work, there were just a few unforeseen issues that arose with it
Hey Jason: Before any more time goes by, I had commented to your earlier T1 Trust video but not about the 5550, but rather your time spent on the OCR with GTW 6325. During those times, you sent me multiple photo's of her being re-built from when Jerry and ya'll pulled her out of Battle Creek, MI and delivered her to your site in Ohio. You had mentioned that you STILL had those images but might take some time locating them. Bottom line...I'm STILL interested in anything you've got so what would it cost me to get all those pics together? Your thoughts? Jim Grant
When you complere this project, are there any plans to get a GG1 up and moving? E44, DD1 maybe? The last K4 and Atlantic was still operational into the mid 80"s. Love to see a Mountain class too! The motors might be the most difficult due to cattanary issues, but a string from Harrisburg to the west. Shore, down south to back over the river at the Shocks Mill bridge back to Lancaster, or the Port road might not be so far out of reason. Just dreaming, but thats how it starts.
