A locomotive cannot operate without a tender, and 470's tender body is corroded beyond renewal. A complete replacement is required. The body will be taken apart to form templates make CAD diagrams. A new riveted tender body, historically accurate and reproduced in must the same way as in 1924, will be created. Essentially, 470 will receive " a new, old tender". Original hardware, including coal bunker doors, the stoker motor, grab irons, steps, and ladder, will all be incorporated in the new body.
$16,000 is presently being held on account in the tender fund. We need to raise a total of $100,000 to complete this critical work. A Maine contractor has been identified to undertake this job, which will employ Maine steel workers for half a year. The funds you donate will stay in the local economy, doing even more good. The tender is big, it's essential, and what a showpiece it will be on completion.
In 2016, The Mystic Valley Railway Society granted $6,200 to strip hazardous paint from the tender frame. These funds have also purchased undercoating and finish paint for the frame and trucks. This summer, a shop truck will be used to remove the original tender trucks in turn, while each is disassembled, cleaned, painted, greased and reassembled. The brake gear will be rebuilt in a similar manner.
Donations in any amount, to help rebuild the 470 tender, can be given here through our PayPal (under "GET INVOLVED"), or mailed to: New England Steam Corp., P.O. Box 302, Winterport, Maine 04496. If a check is mailed, please indicate it is for the tender rebuild.
