The Local’s truck does it all; from moving supplies in support of disaster relief, transporting school supplies, and moving toys for the Toys for Tots program our truck is involved in the community.
In 2016 Ken Kertesz, Chairman of the Pennsylvania State Legislative Board for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), which is part of the Teamsters Rail Conference, contacted Local 776 Secretary-Treasurer Ron Hicks asking if the Local could help them move some train parts from Scranton, Pa to Silva, NC for restoration.
In December 2017 the restored parts were transported back to Scranton, PA where the restoration work continues. The restoration project is titled “Project 3713” and has a targeted completion date in 2022. Built in 1934, retired from passenger service in 1958, saved from being scraped and made into foreign cars, it was one of the fastest steam locomotives ever built. She has been labeled "America's Locomotive", and her official name is "The Constitution".
Inside the boxes are #3713's two NYAB cross compound air compressors, the Sunbeam dynamo, and the air compressor governor. All have been rebuilt and are ready to be used when the locomotive is reassembled.
"Brother Ron, all of Local 776 Sisters and Brothers and Brother Tom: Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! Your support and kind assistance is allowing this project to move forward. We will keep you all abreast of our progress and when she fires up in 2022; we'll extend a heartfelt invitation to our Great Sisters and Brothers to join us for a ride!" Commented Ken Kertesz, of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET).