K4 1361 The Spirit of Altoona

06/03/2026

Story of interest. The future of Steam with UP-NS merger.

https://www.trains.com/pro/freight/class-i/up-ns-merger-wont-sideline-eastern-steam/?fbclid=IwVERDUASNDbVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeN1ZrGxT7PvofzywA_CJps618bTgIhyO-4rW7Mg34-1Tacl2fkxWrrKIlzj4_aem_IF6OQ4b6MgCX1mG2sLDM9A

05/09/2026

Who doesn’t love a K4 on National Train Day? To learn more about 1361’s restoration and ways to support visit www.railroadcity.org.

04/12/2026

On this day 39 years ago, K4 1361 was fired up. We thank all those involved, past and present, for keeping this project alive. Donate today at www.railroadcity.org to help support K4 1361.

PRR K4s Pacific #1361 enters Tyrone, PA.....probably the first steam engine to pass through the town in 30 years since the PRR ended steam operations in 1957...

03/07/2026

Ship to: Railroaders Memorial Museum - Altoona, Pa
Attn: Roundhouse

01/21/2026

We’re excited to be in attendance at this year’s Railroad Hobby Show! If you attend, be sure to stop and say hello.

12/24/2025

Rolling along into 2026! Help us by becoming a supporter at www.railroadcity.org.

In the spring the Railroaders Memorial Museum asked us to take part in the restoration of 1361 The Spirit of Altoona and we were happy to step up. We started by re-boring the crown brasses, turned and polished the axle journals, checked throw and quarter of crankpins and quite a bit of other work. We anticipate working more with the museum in 2026 as 1361 head towards a successful and long lasting rebuild.

12/02/2025

🚂 This Giving Tuesday, help bring history back to life!

The Pennsylvania Railroad’s legendary K4 No. 1361 — built in Juniata and once the pride of the main line — is being meticulously restored right here at the Railroaders Memorial Museum in Altoona. This engine isn’t just steel and steam — it’s a living tribute to the people who built and ran America’s railroads.

Your support today can help move the restoration one step closer to steam once again. Every dollar goes directly toward materials, machining, and skilled craftsmanship needed to return 1361 to operation.

🌟 Our Goal: $5,000 today!
Join us in rekindling Pennsylvania’s railroad heritage — because when K4 1361 steams again, we all move forward together!

👉 Donate now and be part of the legacy: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/giving-tuesday-k4--1361

The Railroaders Memorial Museum is hoping to raise $5,000 to go toward the restoration of 1361. Funds will help build momentum for 2025 restoration work.Every dollar donated will be matched. Please consider donating to help us have a strong finish to 2025, with even more exciting progress to occur i...

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today, we take a break from the wrenches and welds to reflect on everything we are thankful for—especially your incredible support!

Your dedication keeps the Spirit of Altoona alive, and every donation, every share, and every word of encouragement brings us closer to hearing that powerful whistle again. We are immensely grateful for our community and everyone working hard to restore this piece of American railroad history.

Wishing you and your family a safe, warm, and thankful holiday!

As a reminder: We have a 25% OFF Black Friday sale tomorrow! You can shop at https://shop.railroadcity.org. There is K4 merchandise that supports the restoration project.

11/11/2025

Today, and every day, we extend our deepest gratitude to the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country. Your unwavering dedication, profound sacrifices, and commitment to protecting our citizens are an inspiration to us all. We honor your service and the invaluable contributions you've made to secure the freedoms we cherish. Thank you, veterans.

09/15/2025

The folks at the Railroaders Memorial Museum recently came by to drop off the eccentric cranks for K4 1361 The Spirit of Altoona. The are here to be cleaned up, have new bolts/hardware machined and to be installed on the new crankpins before the wheelsets are shipped back to Altoona.

The folks of the Railroaders Memorial Museum are doing a fine job and taking huge strides in the restoration of 1361.