The Pennsylvania Railroad T1 Steam Locomotive Trust is a non-profit organization that believes in thinking differently about preservation. Through hard work, dedicated volunteers and the financial support of many generous donors from around the globe, the T1 Trust is constructing PRR T1 5550. Slated to become the fifty-third locomotive of its class when complete, 5550 combines stunning art deco design with a unique 4-4-4-4 wheel arrangement. The goal is simple; to provide mainline steam excursion service, and to set the World Speed Record for a steam locomotive.

On Saturday March 7, 2020, The PRR T1 Trust will hold their first Public Open House at Gemini Industrial Machine in New Philadelphia, Ohio. The hours will be from 10am to 4pm. A presentation will be held at 1pm showing the state of the project to date. This presentation will last 45 minutes.

Guests will be able to visit and take photos with many of the parts built for the T1 including the prow, wheels and firebox components. Participants will also have the chance to blow the whistle of an original PRR T1. It is the same whistle the #5550 will carry when complete.

Visitors will also have the ability to watch boilermakers and volunteers flange using large hammers and lots of heat to form what will become the backhead (rear of boiler). This is one of the largest pieces of the boiler measuring 10 feet wide and nearly 8 feet tall. It is not very often the public has the opportunity to see a piece of such magnitude and importance being formed. Please join us to watch the T1 Trust make History! PRR T1 T-Shirts and other items will be on sale as well. You will also be able to sign up to become members and/or make donations.

The open house will be from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Gemini Industrial Machine Group, 1826 Tech Park Drive NE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663. This event is open to the public.

—via Press Release