Missoula’s ‘Engine 1356′: A Local Legacy Gets A New Lease On Life
A piece of Missoula's history is starting its makeover journey.
In case you missed it there is a group in Missoula looking to restore the historic 'Engine 1356' back to some of its former glory.
Related: Group Looks to Restore Missoula's Historic 'Engine 1356'
I spoke with Jeannine Nixon, from the 'Missoula 1356' restoration organization, about the updates on the project since last November. There has been progress made on the engine and more to come down the road.
One interesting story is about the engine's headlight ring. It was damaged and was removed to be repaired about forty years ago. It was stored in the old roundhouse. Before the roundhouse was eventually destroyed, an employee took it home and stored it in their garage. When they saw that work was being done to restore the engine, they got a hold of Nixon and returned it.
There is a lot of work that needs to be done on the engine. Nixon invited me down to meet Andrew Skibo. Skibo is an environmental contractor and train enthusiast, who has the approval of the city to help work on the restoration of the train.
Skibo installed the new headlight cover and number plates today. The cover is made from Lexan, a hard plastic that will help stand up to the elements. Skibo also created the smokestack cover. A lot of work that Skibo has done is out of his appreciation for trains and this engine.
While I was watching Skibo work, I met Mr. Dahl. He has a personal connection to the Engine 1356. His father was one of the last men to work on the train shoveling coal.
The hope for the engine is to get it back to some of its past glory. The group, working with the city, wants to eventually get power to the engine so it can be lit up. There is also a plan to get the bell working again and maybe down the road a new coat of paint and possibly a working whistle.
Some of the short-term goals are expected to be reached in time for the first farmers market of the season on Saturday, May 3.
Related: Missoula's Original Farmers Market Gearing Up for the Season
For the long-term, there is a lot of potential for 'Engine 1356' and the area. If the passenger railway comes back through Missoula one day, this will be a vibrant area.
In the meantime, the Missoula Historic Preservation Commission is working to get 'Engine 1356' on the historic registry, which should happen this year.
If you would like to help contribute to the work on this piece of Missoula history, you can donate to the group on their website Missoula1356.org or mail them to P.O. Box 1356, Missoula 59806. It will take a money and hard work to bring this piece of history back to its glory.