Welcome to the American Steam Railroad - Now Open

[American Steam Railroad]

Press Release

April 30, 2009 – Groveport, Ohio
The American Steam Railroad Preservation Association, Inc. is excited to publicly announce its new website dedicated to the preservation of steam locomotives and vintage railroad equipment. We are also very pleased to announce we have entered into an agreement to take on St. Louis – San Francisco Railway (Frisco) 2-8-2 Mikado type steam locomotive #1352 as our first large project. Hopefully this will be the first in a long line of exciting plans for our fledgling organization.


Additionally, we’re happy to announce that we 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 our thanks for supporting this project. Remember that since ASR is a 501c3 non-profit organization, all donations are tax deductable.

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

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

Our plan, when restoration is complete, 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, we also plan to put out the appeal for those interested in helping at our shop in Eastern Ohio. More information on a volunteer program will be passed along as plans are finalized. We realize that this will be a large undertaking, but together we can make it happen!

Much more information about both our organization and the locomotive is available at our website, http://www.americansteamrailroad.org .
We hope you’ll join us on our mission to continue “Preserving America’s Railway Heritage.”

Best Regards:
Steven M Harvey
Current Chairman and CEO
American Steam Railroad Preservation Association, Inc
web: www.americansteamrailroad.org