DENNISON, Ohio — The final assembly of a replica Pennsylvania Railroad steam locomotive, the T1 No. 5550, will take place in Dennison, Ohio, according to trains.com. The T1 Steam Locomotive Trust made the announcement in late May during the annual Pennsylvania Railroad Technical & Historical Society convention held in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
The locomotive, a 4-4-4-4 T1 class engine, has been in development for over a decade with parts manufactured at various locations across the country. The frame, which measures 64 feet and weighs 71,000 pounds, was recently completed by Dover Tank & Plate Company in Dover, Ohio.
The next phase includes machining and assembling the locomotive’s cylinders and completing the interior firebox and boiler exterior. The T1 Trust has raised approximately $700,000 of the $1.5 million needed to finish the locomotive’s construction.
Dennison was selected for its Pennsylvania Railroad heritage. The PRR built 75 steam locomotives in the town during the late 19th century, and its historic 1873 depot played a vital role during World War II as a canteen that served over one million service members. Today, the depot serves as a museum, restaurant, and theater.
The T1 Trust and the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum have also secured a $1.7 million U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to construct a 60-by-200-foot, two-track restoration facility next to the depot. This new building will house the final assembly of No. 5550 and provide maintenance space for the museum’s excursion fleet.
Final assembly, including the uniting of the boiler and frame, is scheduled for completion in 2026.
To learn more or to contribute to the “Forge Ahead” campaign, visit www.T1Trust.com.
