Project Union Pacific 561

01/15/2026

Hello all followers of Project 561. This is Andrew Alderman wanting to let everyone know that after a few years of not being able to work on the engine due to some personal problems that sparked right when the project got underway in 2022. Project 561 is coming back this year in 2026 and I’m looking for some volunteers to really help get this project up and running once again. Message the page for more information as I can really use the help with this project to cosmeticly restore the engine back to its former glory.

12/24/2022

Merry Christmas from the Project 561 crew

11/13/2022

https://youtu.be/XnTO1gQ_S2w the latest update on 561

Got a few things done and I’m also looking for volunteers for the project next spring comment below of you would like more information

09/29/2022

September 28th 2022 update on 561 some repair work has began to prepare the engine for the Christmas lights that will be put on with the help of the City of Columbus painted some rust spots with rust prevention spray paint and repaired some lubricator fittings

09/07/2022

Found some holes and jacket separating it’s self from the engine these repairs are in my to do list in the spring

09/06/2022

Got 561 all washed up on Saturday afternoon

08/26/2022

August 25th 2022 update

08/23/2022

Well I started working on 561 this afternoon and as I started to wash her water got into her headlight and now the headlight isn’t working the city has been notified

08/22/2022

Hello and welcome to the Project 561 page. My name is Andrew Alderman and I’ve decided to volunteer my free time to the City of Columbus NE to maintain and repair Union Pacific 561 steam locomotive. The story behind this project is I was going through some pictures and stumbled across a senior picture of me and 561 back in 2018 and it was looking to be in rough condition and that spring 561 was given a fresh coat of paint for the first time in 25 years. Well fast forward to July 2022 as I was on a walk through Pawnee Park (561’s home) and I was walking past the engine and I went walking around the fence (as I normally do because I’m fascinated with steam locomotives) and noticed some rust starting to come back and some other repairs the engine needed as a display locomotive plus she needed a BATH. Well August 8th I sent a message via Facebook to the city about being the care taker to the engine and they got me in touch with Doug More with the parks department and he made some calls and got the ok with me taking care of the locomotive. August 23,2022 this project will officially be in full steam ahead and work will officially start on preserving Engine 561 I’ll be posting regular updates on the engine as I work to preserve 561. So climb aboard and follow along as I make her look beautiful again. ENGINE IS STILL OWNED BY THE CITY OF COLUMBUS NEBRASKA