Engineering the Impossible: Building the Fastest Steam Locomotive | Jason Johnson on JAKTALK

What does it take to rebuild the fastest steam locomotive from scratch? Jason Johnson, of the Pennsylvania Railroad T1 Steam Locomotive Trust, joins JAKTALK to share how modern engineering, private-sector efficiency, and nonprofit passion are powering the creation of the PRR T1 5550—the first of its kind since 1946. In this episode, host Jeff Kinsberg dives into how Jason applies systems thinking, business strategy, and technical rigor to one of modern history's most ambitious rail projects. Learn how the T1 Trust overcame early skepticism, solved massive infrastructure challenges, and built momentum through transparency, precision, and persistence. Jason also explains how early engineering support from JAKTOOL helped move the T1 project from concept to steel and how anyone can contribute to bringing this iconic machine back to life. If you’re fascinated by large-scale engineering, restoration, or precision fabrication, you’ll love this look inside the PRR T1 rebuild. Thanks for watching! 🚂 Support the project or get involved at https://prrt1steamlocomotivetrust.org/ Follow updates:   / t1locomotive   |    / thet1trust   Today’s episode was filmed in PRR’s Williamsport car at the Denison Railroad Museum. Thank you to the museum team! Key Highlights The story behind the PRR T1 5550—America’s most ambitious steam locomotive rebuild How systems engineering and business leadership drive technical success Overcoming funding, facilities, and skepticism through persistence Milestones: 64-ft, 71,000-lb frame complete, cylinders in progress, $500K granted for boiler How engineering innovation keeps history alive today Chapters 00:00 Inside PRR’s Williamsport car 00:34 Why the PRR T1 new-build matters 05:20 Frame choice: casting vs. weldment 09:25 Funding the dream: small donors, big progress 12:30 Jason’s background & problem-solving 14:40 Milestones: wheels, cab, boiler, frame 20:58 Speed legacy & record talk 31:20 How EOS & Gantt keep it moving 41:05 Turning vintage prints into modern CAD 46:10 Denison shop plans & how to help