New Hope & Ivyland No.40

First day of revenue service for our #40. All the hard work of the men and women in our shop has finally paid off!

First snow of the season.

First test run with some weight behind her.

A testament to a job done well, tacking a few extra miles on a smooth test run. Photo Credit: J.Brems

Exciting day at the New Hope Shop. Valve Cages and Cylinder Sleeves are being installed. Check our Instagram and Facebook throughout the day to track our progress.

Our mechanical forces have been hard at work on #40 since the last update. A number of important milestones have been crossed on the journey to the holiday season return to service! The first of two completely rebuilt air compressors was mounted a few days ago. This critical work should serve to resolve the air system issues the engine has struggled with. After inspection, replacement of the fireman's side injector was deemed necessary, so a new unit was installed.... The mechanical lubrication system has been addressed, including a major rebuild of the Nathan lubricator itself. New sight glass valves were installed, as well as a number of other minor plumbing projects. Side rods have been polished, reinstalled, and prepped for the installation of oil cup lubrication. The exception being the main rods and valve links, which remain removed in anticipation of soon-to-be-installed valve and cylinder sleeves. The lead truck axle has also been removed to make clearance for the same. The annual inspection and hydrostatic test were also completed this month. Check back soon for more updates and photos of the ongoing projects on the engine!

Line boring in progress!

Many of you have probably noticed #40's absence from the railroad over the past few months. Fear not! The engine is back in our engine house undergoing phase 2 of an extensive restoration project. Projects in this smaller wrap-up phase include cylinder work, an air system overhaul, and cosmetic restoration. Today was a milestone in this effort. Nearly 100 years of service has caused significant wear on the inner bores of both the steam cylinders and valve cages. New sleeves will be machined and pressed in as part of this phase, but line boring this massive casting is critical work that must be completed first. Hardly boring if you ask us!

Easing out of the engine house for another day of Easter Bunny Express trips. Come join us for an enjoyable hour trip with Peter Cotten Tail.

No. 40 is under steam and ready for this weekend's Easter trips. Yee-haw! Check out newhoperailroad.com for schedules and more.

Romance on the rails powered exclusively by steam. No.40 is slated to return for a six day stint this Valentine's Day & Weekend pulling our Murder Mystery, Valentine's Brunch, Valentine's Dinner and Wine & Cheese Tastings.