10/01/2026
Project 1355 — Progress Update: Weeks 98–114.
Over the past 18 weeks, the restoration of G.N. #1355 has seen considerable progress.
- We have made significant strides gridding out of the boiler/firebox to perform ultrasonic thickness measurements. To demonstrate the scale of this work, the ultrasonic examination of just the inner sheets of the firebox alone encompasses over 1500 individual measurements. These tests are necessary to determine wall thickness/integrity, detect hidden flaws, inspect prior welds, and to ensure the boiler is in overall compliance with proper safety codes and standards.
- Upon examination of the firebox, it revealed that the front foot of the throat sheet would need to be removed due to a steam-era repair made by the Great Northern. While this type of repair was acceptable practice at the time, it is no longer considered viable today. However, it is important to note that this was not due to any defect or deficiency in the original steel.
- Moving down to the running gear, we have removed the knuckle pins from the side rods. These are the taper locking pins which connect the rod sections together and transfer driving forces from one segment to the other while maintaining adequate flexibility. With the pins removed and rod segments separated, they were more easily transported and safely stored. They will remain in storage until the time comes for their eventual reassembly.
- The injectors have also been disassembled and are undergoing a thorough assessment. These are the devices that utilize steam to feed water from the tender to the boiler. We soon hope to determine whether they can be repaired and returned to service or if will need to be replaced.
- The drawbar, which connects the locomotive and tender, has had all of its paint removed and is now ready for dye-penetrant testing to check for cracks or other defects.
- Brake components have also been removed for cleaning and assessment, allowing us to better determine their condition and what work will be required moving forward.
Further updates will follow as new developments and other phases of the project are completed. We do apologize for having it been minute since our last progress update. Following some needed reorganization, this point forward we will be more diligent and provide the updates you all deserve.
We sincerely appreciate the National Park Service for their on-going patronage, RDG Steam Services for their hard work and expertise, and certainly want to thank everyone else that has contributed to this project in one way or another. Community support is the essential backbone and reason for what we do. Volunteers can proudly claim that they have logged more than 1,400 hours so far this year, and numerous others directly and indirectly make this project possible.
While there is still plenty of work to do, the restoration and revival of this national treasure is full steam ahead and we look forward to sharing more with you as No. 1355's journey continues.
🚂 ❤️
