We apologize for the delayed “11th of the month” update for you, our most dedicated Build 11 donors. We switched giving platforms to “Zeffy” which required a few extra days of preparation, but will allow us to more effectively conduct fundraising and ticketing, while saving the museum thousands of dollars in processing fees. Thus, your donations will go farther in 2025 than ever before. Plus, we are thrilled to make this announcement…

$120,000 CHALLENGE – Put Build 11 ON THE FAST TRACK!

One of our members and long-time supporters has a challenge for the WW&F – raise $60,000 in 2025 to build locomotive 11 and he will MATCH each donation, dollar for dollar, up to $60,000! This will allow us to hire additional contractors to assist our volunteers in fabricating and assembling the locomotive.

Challenge 1: More Volunteers!
We need skilled machinists and fabricators who would like to assist us at our shops in Alna, Maine (or occasional work from home.) If you are interested, please email info@wwfry.org and we will put you in touch with the Build 11 team.

Challenge 2: More Speed!
With increased volunteers aiding and overseeing contract labor and outside vendors, we hope to significantly reduce the time needed to complete the locomotive.

Challenge 3: More Money!
We’ve been challenged to raise $60,000 by an anonymous donor who will MATCH every donation dollar for dollar! So if you give $100 to help us Build 11, it will be matched with an additional $100. Thus, our total goal for 2025 is $120,000 – a big ask for sure – but with the locomotive taking shape, we’re confident that our members, friends, and followers will be up for the challenge

We have a huge challenge ahead of us in 2025 – which will put us on the fast track to getting the locomotive completed as soon as possible.

January 2025 Work Session Report

Our most recent Build 11 work session was held December 12-14. We’re continuing work on the forward suspension components and lead truck. Rick Sisson drilled the remaining holes in the perimeter angle which will support the locomotive’s rear deck.

Lead truck assembly continued with Gordon Cook, Rick and Joseph Gilbert installing fitted bolts machined by Quentin. As you can see, these were packaged and labeled in a very professional manner.

We then test fit some of the forward suspension components using pins machined by Gordon.

Gordon transported new piston, crosshead, and rear coupler castings from Springfield, Massachusetts to Sheepscot. Immediately, Alan Downey began machining the piston heads.

Other Recent Work Included:

• Harold Downey, Quentin and Gordon machined the crosshead guide yoke support brackets and they’re ready to install on the forward frame.
• Harold completed rough machining and fitting of the shoes and wedges between work sessions.
• Harold and Rick spent more than a day setting up and troubleshooting the tooling we will use to tram the engine. After many hours of fits and starts, we determined that the bushings supporting the rotating shaft were binding and forcing the shaft end (and trammel points) out of position. Harold modified the bushing and eliminated the binding and the tooling worked perfectly! We started, and Harold will finish making measurements so that he can finish machine the shoes and wedges.
• Quentin Bethune has started to machine the front cylinder heads. Gordon transported new piston, crosshead, and rear coupler castings from Springfield, Massachusetts to Sheepscot.
• The entire team planned for our presence at the RR Hobby Show in Springfield, MA – Jan. 25 & 26. Stop in and say hello!

Thank You for Your Support

We appreciate all contributions to the Build 11 project – together we are making what was considered an impossible dream a reality. Please consider helping by contributing on our donations page at www.build11.org. Recurring monthly donations of $11 are much appreciated. Know that every dollar you donate will be matched in 2025 – allowing us to put locomotive 11 on the fast track!