Last Weekend for Number 19...

Memorial Day Weekend 2010 was the last chance to see number 19 under steam before it was removed from service for routine boiler repairs. The weather varied from sun to rain throughout the weekend, but enthusiasm to give the old girl a good send-off could not be dampened.

A good sign for the final train? After the regularly scheduled trains finished up on May 31, a special evening train was operated. Partly to give a final send-off and celebration of fifteen years of service, and also a birthday celebration as number 19 would be turning ninety the next day.

The special arrives in Sumpter with over sixty invited guests and volunteers aboard.

Number 19 getting ready to leave the Sumpter depot for the last time before coming out of service.

Only a few minutes left before the fire is pulled at midnight. The last engine crew were engineer Dan Denham, and fireman Ryan Dela.

In the backshop cooling down after the fire has been dropped.

Even though the locomotive is going in for an overhaul, there is still a shut-down routine to be followed. Here Dan Denham closes the boiler checks.

The rebuild begins. Eric Wunz removes the sand dome cover to ceremoniously begin the overhaul process.