WP 165 Restoration Blog

Updates on the restoration of Western Pacific 0-6-0 number 165 at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum at Portola, California.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Thanks to Our Donors.

Time to single out a couple of outstanding donors to the WPRM's 165 project.

First, our grateful thanks to Paul Boschan of Boschan Boiler in Carson, California.


Paul donated 120 feet of one inch diameter staybolt stock- accompanied by the MTRs (Mill Test Reports) which allows us to use it as code material in a pressure vessel, in our case, the 165's boiler. Believe me when I say that code material ain't cheap!

Paul's ongoing generosity has also been extended to including access to his shop for various restoration projects, such as the 165 headlights.


Another one of our key donors is Roger Stabler, of Woodland, California. Not only has Roger donated to the 165 monetarily, but he has been a valued volunteer on site, and never leaves until his goal is met.

Here you can see Roger removing the nozzle casting from the 165:


Unfortunately the above pic is the best view I have of Roger, but that just illustrates the fact that Roger likes to keep his nose to the grindstone, so to speak. Roger is also in the process of being certified as our pressure vessel welder. This will allow us to perform our own repairs, saving untold thousands of dollars.

Individuals like Paul and Roger are rare, to say the least. We are lucky to have them both helping us out. Our thanks may not be enough in some cases, but hopefully they know how much of a difference they are making in the railroad preservation field, as well as helping to keep the Western Pacific legacy alive.


Now if that damned snow would melt we could get back to work! - JCA