Operational Heislers

[MR77200]

How many operational Heislers are there in the U.S.? The only one I have seen is the one in Freeport, IL:

watch?v=wfYStYuuGR0

 

 

 

 

watch?v=8eqJ LO0 68

 

 

 

watch?v=QATIdq7gVY

 

 

 

watch?v=E7sej24UOTQ

[Rikers Yard]

There is also one at Cass WV.  No. 6, you can go to cassrailroad.com and click on locomotives and check it out.

      Tim

[O5 Hopeful]

There's quite a few actually. They are out in Washington, Oregon and California. Standard and narrow gauge. There was one running at the museum in Green Bay, but I don't know if it still is.

I've rode behind the one in Cass and in Freeport. Cass is much more interesting.

[Thomas 9011]

There is one that is operational and runs on the Oregon coast railroad near Tillamook bay, Oregon. They also offer cab rides for a truly unique experience with a Heisler.

The Mount rainier railroad in Elbe, Washington has one that is operational and used on occasion. They also have a operational Climax locomotive which you rarely seen in operation. When Morton, Washington has their annual "Days in motion" festival the Heisler usually makes a appearance.

[challenger3980]

For the Ultimate Heisler experience head out to the Sumpter Valley Ry in Oregon, they have a 3' narrow gauge, that is in their "Engineer for a Day " rental program. If you are interested, you need to chek with them early, it is a wood burner, and is very restricted in when it can operate, as the Sumpter Valley region of Oregon is a Very dry area, due to fire danger, the Heisler is normally only run in May and early June. The Mikado, is an oil burner and is available all season for rental. I wasn't able to go early enough in 2008 to run the Heisler, but in late July I was able to run the Mike, truly a wonderful experience.

 A Big plus in renting a SVRy, compared to the Nevada Northern, which I did in 2007 and also enjoyed, is that at the SVRy, you pull a complete train, not just a light engine run. By pure dumb luck, not design, my rental at the SVRy, was on one of my Nephews 4th Birthday, and the rest of the family got to ride in the caboose, that included My Mother, Step-dad, Sister, Brother-in-Law and both Nephews that were along on the trip. The SVRy did not even charge any additional fees for the family to ride the Caboose during my rental . I can not say enough about the Friendly Staff at the SVRy, it was an experience that I would Whole Heartedly reccomend to anyone.

Now for the legal disclaimer, I was there in 2008, and I Hope that all their equipment is still operational, but with 100+ year old machines, there are no Guaranties. I had planned on renting the Heisler in 2009, but the economy tanked AND I got Married, just hasn't been in the budget yet, but is still on my List.

 

Doug

[samfp1943]

Freeport,IL area  SC&S RR 

Had no idea there was this operation inland, in Illinois, even!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snCnlZm178o

and this video as well:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=pB8d99hp4lY

[Sumpter Valley Brakee]

 Sumpter Valley Rwy #3.  Thank you for the kind words about "our" Eccles Lumber #3, wood burning Heisler.  Rest assured she is alive and well.  The Micado, #19, is nearly ready to run for another 1472 days--but not quite.  #3 is our mainstay presently.  We have instituted a follow-on firetrain policy and can now run #3 during the hot months. She is available for our EFD program.

SVRYHDBRK

[challenger3980]

S V Brakee, You are Very Welcome for the Kind words, They are Well Earned. Is that Taylor? I am Happy to read that # 3 is in Excellent Health, and that the Mikado #19 will soon be back in service. As I said above, the #3 is still on my "To Do List" just as soon as it fits the budget, while not an inexpensive activity, the EFD program is well worth the "Investment" in Happiness

Doug

[Steamer69]

There is also an operational one at the Passumpsic Railroad in Vermont, as well as one at Clarks Trading Post in New Hampshire.

[Stourbridge Lion]

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