With the 2015 mainline excursion season drawing to a close and the “big engines” returning to their respective homes for the winter, many would think that the excitement of the steam season is just about over. Nothing could be further from the truth.
While the Nickel Plate Road No. 765, Norfolk & Western No. 611, and Southern Railway No. 4501 may have drawn the most attention through the summer and fall, there are still new and exciting things taking place in the steam department. This is particularly true here in the Northeast where the adventures of four locomotives remind me of the old wedding axiom: Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.
First, let’s look at that “Something Old.” Steam locomotives by their nature are usually old but in this case I’m talking about one of the first to be used in tourist railroad service – former Bath & Hammondsport 2-6-0 No. 11. The 1920 Alco product, once destined for shipment to Cuba, was the primary locomotive at the Rail City Museum in Sandy Pond, N.Y. Opening on July 4, 1955, Rail City is widely considered the first operating steam railroad museum in the United States, making No. 11 one of the oldest tourist steam engines to be found. Out of service for decades, No. 11 passed through several owners before being purchased by shortline owner Alan Maples in 2006 with an eye toward restoration to service. On Oct. 18, 2016 No. 11 returned to the ranks of operating steam locomotives pulling trains on the Everett Railroad out of Hollidaysburg, Pa.
How about “Something New?” In this case I’m talking about Ohio Power No. 3. Although constructed in 1920, the Baldwin product oddly resembles a much older locomotive. Acquired by the Ohio’s Hocking Valley Scenic Railway in 1982, the diminutive 0-6-0 would sit on the railroad’s deadline for years, while a beefy former Lake Superior & Ishpeming 2-8-0 No. 33 handled excursion duties. Eventually No. 33 would be sidelined and in 2003 it was traded to Jerry Joe Jacobson, then owner of the Ohio Central Railroad. Meanwhile, a two-decade restoration effort on engine No. 3 gained momentum and came to fruition with the first test runs during the summer of 2015. Entering regularly scheduled service on Oct. 3 out of Nelsonville, No. 3 might be considered the newest steam locomotive to enter the excursion business.
On to “Something Borrowed,” or something on borrowed time to be more accurate. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad’s massive 2-8-0 No. 734 has been battling the mountain grades out of Cumberland, Md., for a generation and is still going strong as I write this. However the clock is ticking and at the end of the 2015 season No. 734 — “Mountain Thunder,” as it is affectionately known — will be taken out of service for its Federal Railroad Administration-mandated 1,472-day inspection. In its place, the railroad will use diesel power until the restoration of former C&O 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 is completed. The railroad hopes to have the 1949 Baldwin Mallet ready for service in 2016.
And finally, “Something Blue.” That can only mean one engine really – Reading & Northern 425. For years the light Pacific type has powered excursion trips on the R&N system in a striking blue and yellow paint scheme. In September, the 1928 Baldwin made its debut in a somewhat more subdued dark blue and black scheme – much to the delight of the railfan population.
How to see them for yourself:
Everett Railroad No. 11 will be powering three “Return of Steam” excursions between Hollidaysburg and Brooks Mills, Pa., on Nov. 7. Later in the locomotive will power Santa Claus specials, which will run every weekend through Dec. 20. For more information visit www.everettrailroad.com.
While Hocking Valley No. 3 operated over several weekends in October, it hasn’t yet been added to added to the railroad’s holiday schedule. At last word, it was hoped that the engine would make at least one more appearance in 2015. Keep checking www.hvsry.org for possible steam dates.
Western Maryland No. 734 will be powering a full schedule of weekend (and some Friday) excursions through December 20. To catch one last ride behind this magnificent locomotive, go to www.wmsr.com.
If you want to catch R&N No. 425 in action this year, you’ve unfortunately missed your chance. An excursion on Oct. 18 was the last scheduled appearance for the locative in 2015. All R&N trips for the 2015 Christmas season will utilize diesel power (except for Dec. 6 and 20 when former Central Railroad of New Jersey 0-6-0 No. 113 will lead excursions from Minersville, Pa.). While no dates have been announced, it’s likely that the “Four and A Quarter” will power excursions in 2016. When scheduled, special steam excursions are posted on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway website www.lgsry.com .
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