The next phase in the restoration of Chicago & North Western steam locomotive #175 occurred August 29, 2022, when the frame & running gear assembly left Owosso, Michigan, to be restored by Pluta Rail Options & Services. Pluta Rail was selected through a competitive bidding process to completely disassemble, inspect, refurbish, and in some cases replace the components that make up the spring rigging, drive axles and wheels, steam cylinders, brake rigging, frame and valve gear of the locomotive.

Dan Pluta, the principal owner of Pluta Rail Options and Services, has an extensive background of over 44 years in steam and other railway restoration projects. He began his career in the late 70’s maintaining and operating Grand Trunk Western #4070 for the Cuyahoga Valley in Ohio, and went on to work for the Steamtown Foundation, Norfolk Southern steam program, and Western Maryland Scenic Railroad before forming his own company. Pluta Rail will be utilizing the machine shop facilities of the Gramling Locomotive Works in Ashley, Indiana, for much of the work on CNW #175’s frame and running gear. John and Barney Gramling of Gramling Locomotive are well known for restoring a series of tank engines, including Flagg Coal #75, Lehigh Valley Coal #126, and Jeddo Coal #85.

For more information about the restoration of CNW #175 or to contribute to the effort, see our website at https://michigansteamtrain.com/revive-175/ or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.