J. David Conrad, a steam engine restoration specialist from the Valley Railroad of Essex, Connecticut, was hired for the project. One of Conrad's prior projects included the restoration of another 4-4-0 locomotive.

Assessment as to how to prepare the locomotive for the move had to be thorough and accurate. During the inspection process it was discovered that Locomotive No. 1 possessed upwards of 90% of its original parts. This was quite a rarity for a steam engine which had been manufactured in 1857.