Building A Steam Locomotive: PRR T1 5550

Thousands of different types or classes of locomotives were built during the steam era on America's railroads. However, only some classes survived into preservation, with the vast majority being scrapped. The Pennsylvania Railroad T1 was one of the more interesting locomotive classes that was not saved. These were unique duplex locomotives, built for fast passenger service in the mid 1940s. In 2013, a group by the name of the T1 Trust was formed with the goal of brining the T1 back to life by building a brand new locomotive from the ground up, one piece at a time. I had the opportunity to talk with four of the members of the Trust about this exciting project, the history of the original T1 locomotives, as well as what the future will bring for this groundbreaking project.

CoasterFan2105 is the home of all sorts of train and railroad related video content. Stop by every Friday at 9 AM Pacific time for an all new railroading adventure and be sure to check out all of my social media pages @coasterfan2105 for even more great railroad content. Thanks, and I'll see you down the line!

[CoasterFan]

Hey everyone, thanks for watching this video about the T1 Trust! If you'd like to learn more about the Trust, or enter for a chance at a free Founders Club membership, check out the link below:

[TrainGuru]

With great power comes great responsibility. And I have to say Mike, it’s fantastic and so great that you’re using your influence on the railroading world and bringing awareness to these preservation groups. Railroad preservation is criminally underrated and it is so great that there are so many of these projects happening around the country to just keep these Iron horses going.

[scenariomckinney]

That is an absolutely beautiful locomotive!! As a train enthusiast and model railroader, this is the first time that I've seen this locomotive. I model UP and Southern, but this is a masterpiece, and I'm glad they are bringing it back to life!!!

[deloreanman]

As somebody who's been with the Trust since almost the beginning (February, 2014), I want to thank you for shining a light on our cause. It has been astonishing to watch not only 5550 but the support and love for this once nearly forgotten engine grow. Sometimes I have to pinch myself and remind myself that yes, this real and I am a part of it. I don't believe the T1 was a defective design but rather, was the victim of circumstances beyond her control and that she will prove herself once she is given the chance. Thank you again for helping us give her that chance.

[oriontheraptor]

Been a long time since I heard anything about 5550
Good to know it’s still in production it’s also neat they are “modernizing” some parts of the design for modern convenience in maintaining it

[MainlineThruTheRockies]

This is one of the most unique and interesting lost steam locomotive types, and I’m very glad to see that this is a thing!

[Chevyguy-]

I CANNOT wait to see this engine complete! I hope one day a group will come together to build a New York Central hudson too

[smitajky]

Here is an example of "Make America Great". When America was innovative and powered by conscientious and skilled workers. I would love to live long enough to see this in operation.

[TranscontinentalRailfan]

Awesome video! Looking forward to seeing this PRR icon come to life. The new T1 will also look great with K4 1361. The trust has my support.

[CustomiZe_]

Didn't realise the t1 trust was developed because of the a1 locomotive trust, as a brit that's very heart warming, plus they're on their second loco now P2 Prince of Wales which will be Britain's most powerful steam loco.

[tpmiranda]

I can't believe not a single T1 was preserved!

Even in my Design History lessons we specifically addressed the T1.
It's a shame none has been with us since then. Hope the effort reaches a good port.

Cheers!

[saslovskykoslov]

seeing a T1 today, rebuilt from the ground up will be amazing to see completed in the future.

[JackCarsonsRailroadVideos]

I love it when big channels like Your's brings awareness to preservation groups. Keep up the good work

[MrMarshmallow]

I can't believe I didn't know about this sooner. The T1 is such an amazing locomotive and I would love to see one of these on the tracks. I hope all goes well with this project!

[haraldisdead]

I just went and saw the progress today in Harrisburg. It's looking incredible.

[OwenSaxton-gz]

It's crazy that theyre already over halfway done. Cant wait to eventually see this thing run ❤😊👍

[ALICEINCHAINS]

When I heard this Engine was being rebuilt I got super excited. The T1 is my favorite duplex engine and one of my favorite engines ever. I can’t wait to see it come back from extinction and on the Pennsylvania railroad once more.

[officialpennsyjoe]

You did the right thing here CoasterFan2105. Pennsy fans like me hope that your collab with the T1 trust boosts the completion of this engine!

Long live Pennsyland!

[coppercruz]

Amazing Video:) I didn't know the T1 Trust was building a Pennsylvania T1 steam locomotive, how exciting. Thanks for the video, Mike!!!

[stevehessle]

Good luck with this project. After the success of A1 Tornado in the UK, we have 70 dead classes under construction including the famous P2 and Clan class among many, many others. We saved over a thousand steam locomotives, bit they are slowly wearing out and every 10 year boiler certificate costsore and more and more.