This is Alaska Railroad Steam Engine #557. It was retired from Alaska in the 1950's and purchased from a scrapper by a gentleman named Monte Holm of Moses Lake, Washington. It reminded on his property there until a few days ago. Monte loved his steam engine and wouldn't sell it, despite many offers. After this death in 2006 and his wife's in 2010, the family sold it an individual that owns a transportation logistics company. This gentleman then donated it to the Alaska Railroad with the provision that it be restored to operable condition and used within 8 years or he gets it back. All this was done with the blessing of Monte's family and it is generally believed to be the best thing that can happen to it.

The original tender wasn't sent south from Alaska Railroad to be scrapped, so Monte purchased another tender for display at Moses Lake. This tender, not original to the 557 wasn't sent back north. The Alaska Museum of Transportation and Industry in Wasilla, AK has an intact tender from a sister steam engine to the 557 that was converted to a water car. This tender, while not the original to 557 is identical to the original and will be restored to serve as #557's tender.

The 557 and its flatcar are awaiting barge shipment to Whittier, AK where it will be moved to Anchorage, AK for restoration.