After nearly fifteen years, Heisler number 3 is once again the main road locomotive of the Sumpter Valley Railroad. Number 3 was the only serviceable steam locomotive from 1976 to 1996 when number 19 was initially rebuilt.
Since number 3 burns wood as opposed to oil, like number 19, the crew is having to get used to splitting, stacking, and loading the roughly 60 cords it takes to run the Heisler for a summer.
Steve Christy and Dennis Jones loading the wood racks. Each rack holds a little more than a cord of wood and in most cases is enough to run the train for a day.
The loading rack at the water tower in McEwen.
Number 720 is a 50 ton diesel-electric built by GE in 1957 for use in Panama. It was purchased by the Sumpter Valley Railroad for back-up and weekday service and is currently undergoing a full refurbishment. The above picture was taken by Bret Bane in 2008 before rebuild work had begun.
Eric Wunz is priming the frame of the rear truck from diesel-electric number 720. The traction motors and wheels have already been removed for cleaning and repair. Privately owned sister locomotive number 805 can be seen in the background.
Tom Young is working on rewiring some of the smaller systems on number 720.
Number 19 has lost some of her familiar silhouette. The sand dome, headlight, bell, and dynamo are all off and stored.
Great pictures.:) Loading Rack
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