Fletch and his crew did some work on the #9 this last weekend, and you might be surprised to hear that she is not where she was once sitting. So then where is she? You can probably figure it out by the pictures but Fletch wants to play a little game with all the members of the Mid-Continent Railway Museum called “Where’s the #9”. It’s like Where’s Waldo, but with a 50-ton Locomotive.
Before we moved the #9 to its mystery location, Fletcher and his crew did some fine measurements to document the identification lettering on the side of the cab. It was relatively easy work, but it was done deliberately to ensure the lettering can be recreated as close as possible to its original configuration. We also finalized the movement plan and at the end of the day, the operating crew came over and the #9 started moving again. Unfortunately, Fletcher and I could not stay to the end of the day to help with the move, but many thanks to Steve P., Jay S., Andy S., and the crew for that day. You got the #9 moved to where we needed it. So, take a look at our pictures, and Fletch is confident you can figure out where the #9 is currently located. So, then the next question is WHY is she there?
While you are trying to answer these questions, Fletcher wanted me to ask all our wonderful members if you would consider a donation to the #9 fund. We started our second fundraiser this last spring, and we still need more help to accomplish our goals for this year. The biggest of course being the painting of the cab. So please consider giving and stay tuned for our next post.”
“July 6-7, 2024; even though the Chinese Zodiac lists 2024 as the “Year of the Dragon”, Fletch and his crew continued the “Year of the Cab,” and pushed forward this last weekend with efforts on the D&R #9’s cab for restoration.
Frank F., Steve P., Mike L., Jay S. and the team’s 4-legged friend “Roger” pulled first shift on Saturday July 6 where they focused on the backhead. While Roger managed Steve, Mike, and Jay on the ground, Frank pulled up his sleeves and got the dirty work done. He made quick work of the backhead and interior cab getting excess dirt and debris cleaned off to create a better surface for paint application. While Frank was playing in the dirt, Steve received a wonderful Christmas present from Ms. Judy G., who graciously cleaned up the original back windows of the #9 cab and wrapped them up in a beautiful package for safe keeping until they can be re-installed. Merry Christmas Judy. Lol. The guys on Saturday also met with Andy S. to coordinate moving the #9 to a few possible locations for painting the cab. Thanks to Andy and the guys for doing that leg work.
The second shift came in on Sunday July 7 with Fletch, Jason, and Tyler D. Also known as the “A-Team” (this may or may-not be disputed by first shift), Fletch and this team were poised to continue preliminary work on the pilot re-build. However, that was quickly tabled after completing a planned meeting with Chris B. to discuss the upcoming paint work. We identified enough small items that needed removal or work prior to painting, that we felt it best to shift our focus back to the cab for the day. With that, we removed several items to expose more of the metal surface of the cab and allow for better contact with primer and paint. We also conducted some detail work on the cab floor and under the cab to remove additional dirt and debris.
It was good hard work both days, but the MVP award for the weekend will have to go to Frank F. who worked in the warmest and dirtiest conditions by far. Roger came in a close second for MVP, but ultimately received Honorable Mention. Many thanks Frank, and to everyone that helped this weekend.
With that, Fletcher is beyond EXCITED to announce our next work session currently slated for the weekend of August 10 and 11. This will be the culminating event of our year, and we hope to finally get the first coats of paint on the #9 herself. We are praying for a safe and successful move by the operations crew along with good weather that weekend, and that will hopefully set us up for success next month. Fletch hopes you stop by to check it out or lend a hand.”
“June 8, 2024; Fletcher was pumped this last weekend getting back to work on the #9 here in 2024. We had a planning session in May where we set our goals and benchmarks for the year and knocked out some coordination for future work.
Fletch and I met with Frank F. Saturday morning and headed to the museum with hopes of cleaning the backhead in preparation for painting later this summer. BUT, mother nature had its say and we had to nix that plan with the rain that was coming down most of the day. So, we were forced to work inside, and decided to put some work in on the pilot. Many thanks to Ed R. for taking time from his work in the Engine House to help us out. Ed came up to Storage Shed #1 and did the forklift work to help us get the #9’s pilot down from the upper most racks. Once we had the pilot on the ground, we spent most of the day collecting more precise measurements on the timbers that precariously held the pilot together. Frank found his inner Star Trek and created a 3D image of the current pilot to give us a reference in the future. A special thanks for Frank’s Pup “Roger” for keeping us on track with the pilot.
Once we had our measurements and images, we moved to Storage Shed #2 to inspect the white oak timbers that will make up the rebuilt pilot. Fletch checked moisture levels of the timbers using a moisture meter and found them to be at good levels. Another big thank you to Jerry M. for all his advice and guidance when we talked in May. Jerry M. provided us a lot of insight to help us start moving the pilot re-build forward.
And with that, we continue to move the ball forward on the D&R #9. We currently have two volunteer sessions planned on Friday 7/5 and Sunday 7/7. Fletch and his crew would love for you to join us.”
Frank taking measurements of the top portion of the pilot.Fletch collecting photos of the pilot.Fletch checking the moisture levels of the timbers using a moisture meter.
Fletcher and the crew pause for a photo as the crew begins the cosmetic restoration of the D&R #9, 2021.
Happy 2024 to all our followers and generous donors! The D&R #9 crew appreciates all your support. The D&R #9 cosmetic restoration began in the Fall 2020. Much has been accomplished, but there is a lot more to do.
A brief history of the D&R #9 begins back in 1884 when the Baldwin Locomotive Works constructed the locomotive as New Orleans & North Eastern. It received a new boiler in 1904. NO&NE sold the locomotive to a surplus dealer in 1917. The locomotive was purchased by the Dardanelle & Russellville in Arkansas and was renumbered to #9. The Mid-Continent Railway Museum purchased the locomotive in 1963 and served as one of Mid-Continents daily operation locomotives on and off until 1991 when it was removed from service because of boiler issues. The D&R #9 is the oldest locomotive on the property.
The locomotive was stored as inoperable until 2020. During the Fall of 2020, a small group of Mid-Continent volunteers along with MC’s Restoration Department decided to cosmetically restore the locomotive to preserve it until a time when she gets her turn in the shop for an operational restoration. The project is led by 10-year-old (as of 2020) Fletcher Reiman along with his father Jason.
Jason R. (right), a then 9-year-old son Fletcher, along with Fletcher’s grandfather Jerry (left), are taking a lead role in the D&R #9’s cosmetic restoration.
“The D&R #9 cosmetic restoration began in the Fall of 2020. Much has been accomplished, but there is alot more todo.”
Today, Fletchers Crew is proudly sharing the progress which has been made over the past 3 years on the D&R #9. The D&R #9 Restoration Project initially raised $9,999 through our generous donors to begin the project. But this was primarily used to cosmetically restore the tender. The tender is the “car” that is directly connected to the locomotive to carry fuel and water for its operation. In the case of the D&R #9, the tender carries 5 tons of coal for fuel and 3500 gals of water for the boiler. The tender is now complete minus the “Headlight’ and foot boards on the rear.
Now it is time to focus on the locomotive itself. We are dedicating the 2024 season to the “Year of the Cab”. There is much work to do in the cab. There is some wood rot in the interior of the cab. The roof hatches leak, cab floorboards need to be replaced, seat boxes repaired and re-upholstered, and all fixtures in the cab need to be cleaned and painted. The exterior of the cab will then need to be sandblasted and painted just as the tender was. Additionally, depending on volunteer “man” power, running gear will need to be cleaned and prepped for paint. As always, Fletchers crew welcomes ALL volunteers! If you enjoy learning and having fun, that’s all the skill you need!
For our second fund raiser, we are again setting our goal at $9,999. Through your generous donations we can attain this goal. We appreciate any donation you can make towards the project. Every little bit helps! Without your generosity, the wheels of progress will grind to a stop. Fletcher’s “Crew” is dedicated to bringing the project to completion. We will work hard, and we are committed to spending your donations wisely and frugally. Thank you for your support! We cannot do this without you!
If you would like to donate, please click the button below.
Over the past three years, Fletcher’s Crew has been busy. The following is a list of major accomplishments to date:
The locomotive has been assessed and a working plan was created. Fall 2020
A fund raiser was created to raise money for the cosmetic restoration of the tender. Initial fund raising was $9,999 which was fully funded by generous donations in 2021.
Various parts were removed from the locomotive, cataloged, and relocated to one of our storage buildings. All parts that were removed were tagged and evaluated for restoration and prioritized. 2021/2022
New white oak was ordered and delivered for the running boards, cab floor, and foot boards. More oak will have to be ordered to repair the “Cow Catcher’. 2022
The smokestack was repaired and re-installed on the locomotive. 2022
New cab windows and doors were custom built out of mahogany (to resist weather and rot), have been primed, and now await glazing and final paint. 2022
The tender was disconnected from the locomotive and moved to Coach Shed 1 for sand blasting and paint. 2022
The tender was sand blasted, primed, painted, and clear coated with high quality automotive paint to ensure years of wear. 2022
The cab was raised slightly to remove rotten flooring and to ease installation of the new running boards. 2023
The tender was re-lettered back into its “D&R” lettering. 2023
** All labor involved was volunteer other than the cab windows, which were built by a skilled carpenter. 2020-2023
October 2020.
June 2021.
The tender how it appeared on, 5/2022.
Relocating the tender to Coach Shed 1, 5/2022.
All buttoned up for the Winter, 10/2021.
Fletch removing cab seats, 2022.
Jason works on the cab roof during a HOT summer day in 2022.
Frank and Tyler remove turbo generator (Dynamo) for restoration, 2023.
Rotten cab floorboard removed, 2023.
Chris B. begins sandblasting the tender, 7/2022.
Sandblasting on a nice HOT summer day.
The first coat of epoxy primer is applied by Chris B. Two coats will be applied of primer, base, and clear coats.
Here comes the first coat of base. So pretty!
Second base coat has been applied and now comes the first of coat of clear coat.
“Look Mom, I can see myself!”
Fletcher and Chris “The Teacher” pose by their lettering job. Chris taught Fletch how to make stencils, cut them out, and place them correctly on the tender, 2023.
She sure is pretty!
After two years of hard work by Fletcher’s crew and Mid-Continent volunteers, along with your generous donations, the tender is 98% complete. All that’s left is the restoration of the tender “headlight” and install the foot boards on the rear.
Our anticipated work session for October was rained out, and we didn’t want to cover the locomotive right after it had been soaked. So, after it had a few weeks to dry out, we got a small crew together in November to cover the #9, in preparation for the upcoming winter.
Our crew consisted of Jim Busse and Jason Reiman. We worked safe and deliberately, pulled the HUGE tarp over the locomotive, and then secured it down below. MANY, many thanks to Jim Busse for helping us out that day.
I also want to thank Jeff Lentz and the operating crew for getting the #9’s Tender back under cover for the winter. This will allow the brand new stenciling to have one more winter protected from the elements. So many thank you’s to those gents.
We will pick up our work on the locomotive next spring, but please keep an eye out for upcoming announcements on fundraising and hopefully some smaller winter projects. We NEED your help to keep this project going. Thank you for all the help and support so far.
