GROVEPORT, Ohio…Railroad Nation would like to extend our best wishes to the  American Steam Railroad Preservation Association, Inc. and the efforts of their current Chairman and CEO Steven M Harvey, with the announcement of their new website  dedicated to the preservation of steam locomotives and vintage railroad equipment.

1352-frisco-2They are also very pleased to announce that they have entered into an agreement to take on St. Louis – San Francisco Railway (Frisco) 2-8-2 Mikado type steam locomotive #1352 as their first large project. Hopefully this will be the first in a long line of exciting plans for the fledgling organization.

Additionally, they have announced that they are an official sponsor of TrainFestival 2009 in Owosso, Michigan. Taking place July 24 – 26, 2009, TrainFestival 2009 will be America’s largest celebration of railroading, with attractions for the entire family. The event will feature 8 operating steam locomotives, model trains, railroad art, vendors and more!

The American Steam Railroad will kick off its first annual membership drive at TrainFestival 2009. Anyone who signs up for a monthly membership ($13.52/mo) or annual one-time payment membership during TrainFestival 2009 will receive a free 1352 hat and number pin as a special thanks for supporting this project. Remember that since ASR is a 501c3 non-profit organization, all donations are tax deductable.

The invitation is to train enthusiasts, corporations, and the general public to join them on this journey. This  group of railroaders and business professionals has spent the better part of three years preparing to launch this project, and they sincerely hope that you’ll come along for the ride.

Though we are in difficult economic times, be assured that any donation, regardless of size, will be greatly valued and appreciated. It is the organization’s hope to accomplish the restoration of locomotive #1352 without the use of public grant money to avoid burdening America’s taxpayers.

Their plan, when restoration is complete, is to utilize the locomotive as a rolling educational tool, to teach what life was like when steam ruled the rails. Built in 1912 by the American Locomotive works, this fine locomotive will steam again with your help. As restoration commences, they also plan to put out the appeal for those interested in helping at their shop in Eastern Ohio. More information on a volunteer program will be passed along as plans are finalized.

Much more information about both the organization and the locomotive is available at their website, http://www.americansteamrailroad.org .

We hope you’ll join us on our mission to continue “Preserving America’s Railway Heritage.”  …….Steven M Harvey