Historic steam locomotive to be restored for Lewes display

The Lewes Junction Railroad & Bridge Association has officially partnered with national railroad services provider FMW Solutions to complete the cosmetic restoration of former Pennsylvania Railroad steam locomotive No. 60.

The project represents a major step in preserving Lewes’ railroading heritage and enhancing public understanding of America’s industrial past.

Initially built for the renowned Pennsylvania Railroad, locomotive No. 60 is set to become a focal point of Lewes’ growing heritage display. Restoration work is scheduled to begin in late summer 2025, with the goal of unveiling the restored locomotive by mid-2026.

The effort will be led by FMW’s dedicated cosmetic restoration team, one of several specialized crews the company operates nationwide. FMW’s reputation for quality work in heritage preservation was a key factor in the selection, and its commitment to authenticity ensures that No. 60 will be restored with historical accuracy and visual impact.

“This locomotive is more than a piece of iron; it’s a symbol of American ingenuity and local history,” said Gerald Kaplan, No. 60 project manager at LJRBA. “Bringing it back to life, even cosmetically, is about connecting our community to a shared past. We’re thrilled to partner with FMW Solutions to make this possible.”

The restoration will occur in two phases, with initial disassembly and preparation at the Wilmington & Western Railroad, where the locomotive is currently located, followed by onsite cosmetic reassembly and painting in Lewes beneath a custom-built temporary structure.

“This project is one of many our national teams are engaged in, but No. 60’s story and Lewes’ enthusiasm make it especially meaningful,” said Chris Homco, director of operations at FMW Solutions. “Our cosmetic team is honored to help complete the association’s vision for a beautiful community display.”