Climax

Climax Locomotive S/N 1551 Restoration Project

Schedule of upcoming Climax Project work sessions

Background

The Climax locomotive sitting on the "dead line" in Cass prior to the start of restoration work in 2002. (Photo by Sonny Burruss)

Climax locomotive shop number 1551 was built by the Climax Locomotive Works in Corry, Pennsylvania, in 1919 and delivered new to the Moore-Keppel Company lumber operation in Ellamore (Randolph County) West Virginia. It operated there until the lumber mill closed in 1946. It was then used as standby power on the coal hauling Middle Fork Railroad before being retired in 1960. It was the one of the last Climax locomotives in U.S. commercial operation.

At retirement it was poorly maintained, badly worn and severely rusting. It was destined for a proposed railroad museum to be built in Ellamore, but that project never got off the ground and the State purchased the locomotive in 1970. It was trucked to Cass for restoration with a projected operational date of May, 1973.

Restoration work had just started when a massive fire destroyed the Cass shop complex in July, 1972. Although there was some damage to the locomotive, it survived the shop fire in relatively good shape. However, the loss of the shop caused an indefinite postponement of its restoration and work was never restarted. The locomotive spent the next 30 years sitting on the Cass “dead line” awaiting its fate and slowly deteriorating in the weather.

Artist's rendition of how the Climax locomotive will look after restoration is complete. (Image by Richard Sparks)

In 1998 the Mountain State Railroad and Logging Historical Association proposed that the organization initiate a multi-year project to rebuild the locomotive and restore it to operational service in Cass. The project was approved with the condition that a restoration building be built to reduce the project’s impact on the limited Cass shop facilities. The Association solicited donations, completed a 40x100 foot building (which was turned over to the State), and commenced restoration work in October, 2002.

The Restoration Project

This is a complete mechanical restoration. The locomotive was completely disassembled and each component analyzed to determine what needed to be done to restore it to operational condition. Some parts just need to be cleaned and painted. Others require welding, machining, or other significant repairs. Some parts were beyond repair and are being used as patterns to fabricate replacements. Many foundry patterns have made to allow accurate reproduction of unusable parts.

In all cases the goal is to maintain the historical integrity of the locomotive while restoring it to better than new condition so it will give years of reliable service without the need for major non-routine maintenance.
There is a core group of about a dozen volunteers with experience in machining and mechanical arts working on the project. In addition, volunteers of varying skill levels are helping with various aspects of the project.

There is no firm date for completion of the project. Work is progressing well, but since most volunteers live far from Cass there are a limited number of work sessions each year. An unofficial goal is that the Climax may see operational service around 2010, but that is far from a firm date.

Funding and Support

There are several sources of funding for the Project. As of January, 2007, the Association and individual donors have provided over $50,000 in funding to purchase materials, tools, and contracted services. The State of West Virginia obtained a $200,000 Federal grant for the project and that money is being used to purchase several big-ticket items such as axles, new steel tires, gear castings, injectors, and air compressors. The Park already has a serviceable replacement boiler on hand that will be used after some repairs and certifications are completed. Also, a number of companies have provided services and materials free or at significant discounts, and several have donated large machine tools to help equip the restoration facility.

Donations are always welcome and will help speed the restoration project. All donations are tax deductible can can be sent to Bob Hoke, MSR&LHA Treasurer, 6304 Kaybro St., Laurel MD 20707.

Getting Involved

Restoration Project Leader Grady Smith assembling a repaired piston crosshead for the Climax locomotive . (Photo by Gerald Curtis)

Volunteers are always welcome to help with the project. There are normally work session about every two or three weekends. Dormitory-style housing is supplied in Cass at no cost and meals are provided by the Association. Workers typically arrive on Friday evening, work a long day on Saturday and Sunday morning with an early afternoon departure for home. Due to insurance regulations all volunteers must be current MSR&LHA members and everyone must sign a liability waiver for the Park.

If you are interested in volunteering please contact Grady Smith, the Climax Restoration Project Manager, at loco@msrlha.org or 740-373-2895 to get the latest work schedule and discuss your interests and skills.

Check the Schedule of Upcoming Climax Project Work Sessions.

Summary of Some Recent Work Sessions

February 20-21, 2010	Truck assembly; thrust washer machining; grinding lapped cylinder seals
January 16-17, 2010	Machining a bolster swivel plate; rebuilding an arch bar truck frame
November 21-22, 2009	Wood work on tender tank decking; general machining
November 14-15, 2009	Additional assembly of the tender truck; begin making water tank deck
November 7-8, 2009	Initial (partial) assembly of the tender truck
October 31 - November 1, 2009	Drill the new top bar for the truck frame; painting; bending bolster truss rods; brazing up a casting defect
October 2-4, 2009	Sandblast and paint the frame and other parts
September 19-20, 2009	prepare frame for sandblasting; move tender truck
February 2-3, 2008	Coal bunker; lathe rebuilding; bolster swivel plates; water tank, shop views
January 19-20, 2008	Coal bunker; pinion shaft removal; rear coupler pocket
January 5-6, 2008	Frame repairs; horn/pinion gear work; center (swivel) plates
March 31 - April 1, 2007	Horn machining
March 17-18, 2007	Drawbar pocket; square shafts; horn welding; storage locker; main frame
March 3-4, 2007	Square shafts; coal bunker; drawbar pocket; radial-arm saw
February 17-18, 2007	Horn castings; Reed Prentice lathe, draw-bar pins; square shafts
January 20-21, 2007	Crankshaft machining; tank frame work; main frame; square drive shafts
January 6-7, 2007	Transport donated machine tools; delivery of repaired smoke box saddle; crankshaft machining

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Page last updated or validated on March 8, 2010