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Volunteers report progress toward restoring UP 4420 locomotive and formation of railroad LLC
Summary
A volunteer restoration group told the council it formed the Evanston Railroad Corporation LLC, reported accelerated work with JSJ Locomotive on boiler restoration and estimated FRA boiler certification could be possible before fall 2026; volunteers credited recent donations and city assistance.
Steve Ewing of 112 Hathaway Avenue told the council that the volunteer group restoring Union Pacific 4420 has formed the Evanston Railroad Corporation LLC and submitted an application to the State of Wyoming. The LLC will provide the organizational and regulatory oversight needed to work with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on boiler certification.
Ewing said JSJ Locomotive and Industrial Restoration has reported the locomotive is in unusually complete condition and that the restoration is progressing quickly; he described next steps including preparation of boiler reports, installation of boiler tubes and a hydrostatic test under boiler pressure. Ewing said JSJ estimated the remaining restoration could cost roughly one‑fourth of the rec‑center roof project bid and that the FRA certification of the boiler might be achievable before fall 2026.
Ewing thanked the city for assistance with heavy lifting and access to a public restroom for volunteers and credited multiple public and private donors for accelerating progress. Council members responded with appreciation for the update.
