A new year begins and the restoration of Locomotive 98 continues in full swing. New sight glasses are installed, and the turret and grate shakers are cleaned and re-installed. The long process of cleaning, priming and painting of all the parts and appliances begins: air tanks, pipes, compressor, handrails, brackets and everything else. The delivery pipes are cleaned, placed and secured inside the smoke box.

In March, everyone is hard at work. Lapping of the throttle valve gasket continues. This time consuming task is performed and patience pays off with a final tight seal. The throttle valve is set in place, the steam dome copper gasket is made to fit and the steam dome is sealed.

A dye test on the draw bar and corresponding pins between the engine and tender is performed to check for any cracks. The smoke box cover also needs work done, holes are weld up and the smokebox cover receives a new coat of paint.

By now it is time to set the cab in place. This turns out to be a hard and difficult task, but by the end of the day, Locomotive 98 has it's cab in place. More cleaning of pipes and parts continues.

All through the months from April to September, work on the tender takes place. After years of sitting outside, volunteers spend a long time cleaning, priming and painting the outside. The inside is also well cleaned and it's condition is inspected. Holes are chased and weld up. Three new valves are installed to check the water level from the outside.