Lake Superior & Ishpeming RR 2-8-0 No. 23
Phoenicia, NY, United States 		Location: Empire State Railway Museum
Status: Cosmetic Restoration
Posted: Apr 6, 2025 @ 09:04:27 by ESRM
It is worth noting that 23 is currently NOT being restored/rebuilt to operating condition. She has been part of a meticulous cosmetic restoration since March of 2020. The museum is often asked the question of why, and there are several main significant reasons. The first as one can imagine is cost. The cost to restore/rebuild 23 into aq reliable, fully functional locomotive would be quite high. There are some well-known issues with her running gear (nothing major, simply tired and worn out) as well as her firebox (namely the throat sheet) that would have to be remedied before she could operate. Her frame is also likely out of tram which would need to be addressed to ensure trouble free operation. The second reason has to do with where to operate the locomotive. She is simply too large and heavy to operate on the small amount of ESRM trackage. There are simply no current operating opportunities for the locomotive. It is worth noting that nothing being done to the locomotive as part of its ongoing cosmetic restoration that would make a rebuild to operation more difficult or impossible should a feasible future opportunity arise.
Posted: Mar 27, 2025 @ 09:03:33 by ESRM
23 is slowly (but surely) moving along with its cosmetic restoration. All work is being done as to not make a potential future restoration to operating condition more difficult should a feasible future opportunity arise. An entirely new boiler jacket is being made for the locomotive. It will be painted back into its LS&I accurate Nile green when completed. The tender will also be lettered LS&I for the first time in over 50 years. All involved would obviously love to see the locomotive steaming, however we are pleased that it is stored under cover with a dedicated group to care for it.
Posted: Jan 12, 2025 @ 11:01:38 by Robert Lindop
I am an old friend of James R Meyland from New Zealand. Could you please pass on my email address to him. Many thanks, Bob Lindop
Posted: Oct 1, 2024 @ 10:10:47 by Matthew Gardner
The museum stated in a magazine article they are working to get this engine mechanically operational. So, you may change the status to Restoration. I heard this engine actually ran at this place long ago up until 1965 I believe.
Posted: Oct 28, 2021 @ 20:10:10 by Rob Edwards
No. 23’s cab, smokestack, smoke box door, and steam dome have recently been repainted and reinstalled on the locomotive, and the driving wheels and connecting rods have also been polished repainted. The ESRM has also stated that this locomotive will run again, just not under their stewardship, since their trackage is apparently slowly falling apart.
Posted: Dec 5, 2016 @ 15:12:32 by
what fuel will this locomotive burn when it returns to operation
Posted: Dec 8, 2010 @ 16:12:08 by
any news on her yet
Posted: Dec 20, 2008 @ 13:12:35 by J.D.
LS&I #23 is owned by the Empire State Railway Museum, based in Phoenicia, NY, and not the Catskill Mt. Railroad. She is currently undergoing restoration at Catskill Mountain's Kingston yard site.
Posted: Apr 20, 2007 @ 11:04:58 by Brian Rice
Spring 07, Tender Reassembled, Work Progressing slowly on engine. Plans are for restoration completed in 2010, for her 100th birthday.
Posted: Aug 30, 2003 @ 12:08:02 by G.Vaughn
No. 23 is undergoing restoration to operating condition in Kingston. As of Summer 2003 it is currently stripped to the boiler shell and running gear. Ultrasound testing is nearly complete (results are good) and repairs to the firebox are under way. The tender is also disassembled but nearly ready for re-assembly.