2013 has been a good year for Long Island's two surviving G5 steamers. In Riverhead, the Railroad Museum of Long Island has entered into an agreement with the Strasburg Railroad to operate #39 on the Strasburg for a period of 48 years, upon completion of the locomotive's restoration in Lancaster. While the boiler has been in Strasburg for several years, the rest of the locomotive is still in Riverhead. Meanwhile in Oyster Bay, prep work continues on #35 before her move to Mussel Shoals, Alabama for full restoration, with the first two pickup truck loads of small parts already shipped out and larger parts to follow (efforts which your photographer is actively involved in!). Seen here is the boiler of #35, the restoration of which will not begin until the rest of the engine is ready. With fundraising efforts for both engines underway, we hope that it won't be too long before Pennsy steam is rolling again. To donate, visit http://www.obrm.org for #35, and http://www.rmli.us/RMLI/Welcome.html for the #39 guys.
