Earl talks with a pair of mechanics as Jim walks up to join him. Earl and Jim will be in charge of the old steamer during the excursion run. Earl has experience operating steam locomotives, as he was once part of the APRR's 'Steam Team' from 1960, when he began with the company, until 1985, when regular steam excursions were ended just prior to the AP&W merger.
The rear of the locomotive's tender, showing the rear light and ladder up to the tender deck for access to the water hatches.
Another view of the steamer shows off its massive size, especially in comparison to the men standing beside it.
The engine waits in the yard for the passenger cars to arrive. She's loaded up with coal and water, fully serviced and ready to go!
The 1645 was built during World War II, in 1942, by the APRR's Cumberland (WV) erecting shops as part of locomotive class K-4, road#'s 1600-1649. Similar in appearance to Berkshires built for the Nickel Plate Road, the K-4's were among the last steam engines built for the AP. Due to wartime restrictions, they were built for freight trains, but handled numerous passenger trains during the war as well. After the war, the railroad invested heavily in diesels like everyone else; the K-4's lasted until the late 1950's primarily because diesels couldn't be purchased fast enough. 1645 was lucky enough to be chosen for the AP's 'Steam Team' in 1957, and has survived to this day, one of only two surviving members of her class; 1634 sits in a park.
The engine waits in the yard for the passenger cars to arrive. She's loaded up with coal and water, fully serviced and ready to go!
The 1645 was built during World War II, in 1942, by the APRR's Cumberland (WV) erecting shops as part of locomotive class K-4, road#'s 1600-1649. Similar in appearance to Berkshires built for the Nickel Plate Road, the K-4's were among the last steam engines built for the AP. Due to wartime restrictions, they were built for freight trains, but handled numerous passenger trains during the war as well. After the war, the railroad invested heavily in diesels like everyone else; the K-4's lasted until the late 1950's primarily because diesels couldn't be purchased fast enough. 1645 was lucky enough to be chosen for the AP's 'Steam Team' in 1957, and has survived to this day, one of only two surviving members of her class; 1634 sits in a park.
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