Last month Dardanelle & Russellville #9 was finally moved to the end of the track to allow our team easier access with heavy equipment. Our team had a productive volunteer session the last weekend in June where we were able to separate the tender from the locomotive. This will facilitate easier access for washing, painting, and other restoration projects in those hard-to-reach places. Steve Pahl met with different vendors to discuss power washing and painting, and we have #9 scheduled for a wash at the end of July. We also removed all old running boards and set up temporary boards. The old stack has been repaired and delivered. Thanks to all that came out to help. A good time had by all.
We have 2 volunteer sessions scheduled for July: 10-11, and 24-25. We hope you can make it.
Update provided by Jason Reiman
Volunteers use manual car movers (large levers) to move D&R #9’s tender away from the locomotive. 
The #9’s youngest volunteer, Fletcher, shows the size of the locomotive’s recently repaired smokestack. 
The D&R #9’s tender after separation from the locomotive. 
D&R #9 volunteers pause for a picture during the June 26, 2021 work session. 
D&R #9 progress overview photo. July 8, 2021. 
A working platform and steps have been added to allow easier access into the cab for further restoration work.