The Alaska Railroad 2-8-0 No. 557
Wasilla, AK, United States 		Location: Engine 557 Restoration Company
Status: Restoration
Posted: Nov 9, 2025 @ 13:11:21 by Russell Newman
A milestone was reached in the restoration of Alaska Railroad S160 2-8-0 No. 557, as the locomotive was steamed for the very first time in preservation for 65 years as it underwent a successful steam test at the Engine 557 Restoration Company in Wasilla, Alaska.
Posted: Jun 5, 2023 @ 14:06:15 by Russell Newman
The Alaska Railroad S160 2-8-0 No. 557 is now in the final stages of its restoration to steam again as the boiler flue tubes have been refitted and the boiler is soon to undergo hydrostatic testing before its steam test. When restoration is completed No. 557 will operate on the Alaska Railroad mainline hauling railfan trips and tourist trains.
Posted: May 31, 2021 @ 19:05:21 by Dick Morris
Alaska Railroad #557 is far along in her restoration to operation. The tender is done. Except for installing flues, tubes, and superheater elements, the boiler is done. The compressor and power reverse are done. Drivers and main journal bearings are done and are projected for installation in mid-2021. Suspension and brake rigging components have been rebuilt and springs have been overhauled or replaced and their reassembly is underway. New rod bearings are installed. Overhaul of valve gear is underway with new bushings throughout. A 26L brake valve and associated components have been acquired and are being installed to make the locomotive compatible with PTC operation. Boiler steam tests are projected for late 2021 and operation is projected for 2022.
Posted: Aug 31, 2016 @ 14:08:48 by Jerry
557 is inside a building under going a massive & major restore. Should be ready some time in 2020. Check out the web site, its a huge massive effort. Gota give those guys a big thanks for there work, its going to look great when its done.
Posted: Feb 6, 2015 @ 04:02:06 by Dick Morris
The ownership section for 557 is outdated. She was donated to the Alaska Railroad Corporation with the stipulation that she be restored to operation. ARRC sold her for one dollar to the current owner, the Engine 557 Restoration Company, on August 16, 2012. The Engine 557 Restoration Company is overhauling her for operation on the Alaska Railroad.
Posted: Apr 27, 2013 @ 02:04:29 by Jeffrey DeBroeck
557 is currently in possesion of Engine 557 restoration company, a non profit group. She is at the old Kenai supply wharehouse in Wasilla, Alaska. Currently stripped to a bare boiler shell and running gear undergoing overhaul.Progress can be followed at http://www.alaskarails.org/pix/former-loco/557/index.html
Posted: Jul 15, 2012 @ 03:07:48 by Tim Coahran
The Alaska Railroad issued a press release on June 29, 2012: http://www.alaskarailroad.com/Portals/6/pdf/pr/2012_06_29_Rls_557_Grant_PR.pdf
Posted: Feb 25, 2012 @ 22:02:04 by jeffrey debroeck
557 is at the Anchorage shops. It was purchased by the Jansen brothers of Lynden Transportation and given to ARR for restoration and operation. Currently it is getting some lubrication and temporary journal repairs to facilitate a short move to its restoration site. Project 557 will be the non-profit entity that will restore her.
Posted: Dec 23, 2011 @ 19:12:56 by Ryan Marrs
As noted below, #557 has been sold to the Alaska Railroad and is currently in Seattle. It will be shipped on the next rail barge to Anchorage.
Posted: Dec 10, 2011 @ 15:12:32 by Liam
Engine is on its way to alaska to be restored to operating status
Posted: Nov 6, 2007 @ 18:11:17 by Mike G.

This locomotive is for sale for $415,000.  It is being sold by Ozark Mountain Rail Car.  It is in good conditon and just needs the standard inspections and matience done to it.  No leaks, cracks, patches, or major problems with the boiler.  It could be changed to a coal burner if needed.  Overall it is a nice locomotive and would be nice to bring back to life.  Who ever buys it maybe could bring it to the East Coast.

Any question feel free to e-mail MAG1613@aol.com 

Posted: Feb 11, 2005 @ 11:02:10 by David
I was wondering if anyone had any contact information about the owner of this locomotive. I am working an a museum and excursion line in Oregon and am looking for a locomotive to run on the line. Thank you.
Posted: Jan 21, 2004 @ 22:01:25 by Andi

I know Monte, the owner, and yes this engine is in running condition.Everything about it is almost new, but the reason he doesn't run it is because of insurance costs and lack of health.

Posted: Aug 2, 2003 @ 17:08:02 by Michael Ledingham
Wes Barris recently changed the status of this one to "display."
Posted: Dec 30, 2002 @ 18:12:25 by Michael Ledingham
As I understand it, the owner of this locomotive used to fire it up and run it on about 1000 feet of track that he owns, but he no longer does this because of insurance costs.
Posted: Oct 15, 2002 @ 06:10:55 by Doug Bailey
Wes Barris (www.steamlocomotive.com) reports this locomotive as operational, but I have not been able to confirm this yet.