"10K in 30 Days" Fundraising Campaign for Restoration of Steam Locomotive WP 165

[FRRSWebmaster]

FRRS Announces Its "10K in 30 Days" Fundraising Campaign for
Restoration of Steam Locomotive WP 165

Portola, CA, October 12, 2006 - WP Steam may live again at the
Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola, CA. The Feather River
Rail Society (FRRS) obtained the WP 165, an American Locomotive
Company 0-6-0 steam locomotive last year and is currently working on
assessing the condition of the piece to determine if an operational
restoration is feasible. The 165 is one of only five remaining
Western Pacific Steam engines. It was built in November 1919 for
United Verde Copper Company of Jerome, Arizona as their #87. On
September 17, 1927, the 165 and three sister UVCC engines were sold
to the WP and become the road's S-34 class, numbered 163-166.

The FRRS has placed Mr. Chris Allan, owner of Historic Railway
Consultants, in the position of Chief Mechanical Officer, Steam. Mr.
Allan brings nearly 30 years of steam locomotive repair and
restoration to the organization. "I am looking forward to the
challenge of restoring the WP 165, and appreciate the chance to work
in such a dynamic environment and with the energetic group of people
at the WPRM in Portola. I look towards the day when WP steam once
again polishes the rails," said Mr. Allan regarding his involvement
with the project.

Early studies indicate that the locomotive may be in better condition
than originally thought, although a complete inspection cannot be
completed without removal of the boiler jacket and boiler insulating
materials. "We are very excited that preliminary ultrasound work
shows promise that the boiler is in good shape and the superheater
tubes are actually in such a condition that we may be able to re-use
them if we so choose," stated Rod McClure, FRRS President.

The cost to complete the first phase of the project, jacket and
insulation removal, is anticipated to cost $10,000. The organization
needs to begin the work mid-November so that additional testing and
restoration can progress prior to Spring 2007. The FRRS has begun a
fundraising effort to secure the financing needed for this step. All
Western Pacific and Steam supporters are encouraged to participate by
donating to the project by visiting the FRRS Steam Webpage at
http://steam.wplives.org or by mail at:

FRRS/WPRM
P.O. Box 608
Portola, CA 96122
ATTN: $10K in 30 Days

All donations in the amount of $500 or more will receive a set of 25
note cards with an artistic depiction of the 165. The Fundraising
drive has already received commitments of $1,000 match donations from
FRRS Member Roger Stabler and The Will and Barbra Wood Charitable
Fund. The total anticipated expense to restore the locomotive to
operating condition is $200,000-250,000.

Contact - For more information, please contact Rod McClure, FRRS
President, at 775-750-2539 or by e-mail at: President@wplives.org.
The Feather River Rail Society is the owner/operator of the Western
Pacific Railroad Museum at Portola, CA. The Society's mission is the
preservation, interpretation and education of the public as to the
Western Pacific Railroad and its employees.