I recently visited the pioneer tunnel in Ashland, Pa. and noted that the #2 0-4-0-t that they were operating appeared to have a newly replaced firebox (noted the welded staybolts) and noticed what appeared to be the old firebox, minus the boiler barrel, out by their shop.I am curious as to whether the firebox only was replaced or did they fab a whole new all welded boiler ?? And who did the work??

drotarinoh@webtv.net

Hello

I seem to remember a news paper article hanging in the gift shop that stated that the whole boiler was to be replaced and showed the whole locomotive being loaded on to a low boy for movement off site. The last time I was there was about three years ago and the article as about a year old at that time, more or less.

Dave Crosby

bing@epix.net

I've always heard that Pioneer Tunnel Mine in Ashland, Pa. has had two Vulcan 0-4-0T's. Are both in use or is one used as a parts source to keep the other engine running?

> Hello

> I seem to remember a news paper article
> hanging in the gift shop that stated that
> the whole boiler was to be replaced and
> showed the whole locomotive being loaded on
> to a low boy for movement off site. The last
> time I was there was about three years ago
> and the article as about a year old at that
> time, more or less.

> Dave Crosby


http://rrmuseumpa.org

> I've always heard that Pioneer Tunnel Mine
> in Ashland, Pa. has had two Vulcan 0-4-0T's.
> Are both in use or is one used as a parts
> source to keep the other engine running?

As I was told many, many years ago, they had two, one to run and one to fix. For the most part, most visitors, even railfans, were kept unaware of the second "lokie". It appears from recent photos that they're running the "second" lokie and therefore are possibly repairing the first one.

LNER4472@gateway.net

Both of Pioneer Coal Mine Tunnel's 42 inch gauge Vulcan 0-4-0T's were originally Lehigh Valley Coal Company engines. They were acquired in 1962 from Guadiano Brothers of Hazelton, PA. The two engines are near identical twins, one built in 1926, the other in 1927. The 1926 engine was the first "Henry Clay" and was used at Ashland through the 60's, 70's, and I believe into the early /mid 80's. The 1927 engine was stored in a building in town during most of this time. It went into service (I believe) in the mid 80's to replace the first one. I'm guessing as well that the engine that received the replacement boiler may be the original locomotive.

Regards,
Jim Robinson