Rebuilding an old steam locomotive is not for the inexperienced, but the team Nashville Steam Preservation Society has assembled includes some of the best steam mechanics in the U.S – many of whom have been involved in the successful restoration of more than 30 steam locomotives.
The following list outlines the distinct phases of this project.
PHASE 1 – SECURE LEASE WITH METRO NASHVILLE
- Secure an agreement to relocate and rebuild Locomotive 576
- Initiate an aggressive fundraising campaign (to continue through completion of Phase 3 Capital Goals)
- Secure $500,000 through fundraising campaign to underwrite relocation, asbestos abatement, and thorough evaluation
PHASE 2 – RELOCATE / ABATE / INSPECT
- Relocate #576 to Tennessee Central Railway Museum
- Abate asbestos and prepare locomotive for detailed inspection
- Inspect and thoroughly evaluate Locomotive 576
PHASE 3 – CONTINUED FUNDRAISING
- Continue the rigorous fundraising campaign initiated in Phase 1
- Locomotive Rebuild Cost:$2,500,000 (Can begin work on the rebuild with as little as $250,000, fundraising to continue throughout)
PHASE 4 – REBUILD LOCOMOTIVE 576
- Rebuild begins in earnest at TCRM
- Rebuild completed
PHASE 5 – INSPIRE / EDUCATE / OPERATE
- Excursions begin (Operate the locomotive approximately 30 days/year)
PHASE 6 – BUILD INTERACTIVE FACILITY
- Fundraising for interactive shop facility
- $1,250,000 – Cost to build shop faciltiy as a safe, family-friendly public viewing area
- $250,000 – Acquire and install tooling for maintenance and care of locomotive No. 576
