There are a number of older locomotives running today with replacement boilers on their frames. for example the D&RGW 346 has a 1924 boiler and the Torch Lake locomotive at Greenfield village has a repacement boiler. I am sure you can think of others.

I am not looking to consider here weather it is historic if the railroad or the museum did the boiler change.

The WW&F 10 at the WW&F Museum is running a 1904 boiler. What is older?

Do any of the V&T 19th Century locomotives run their original boilers?

Do any Tourist Railroads operate any really old locomotives?

Thanks for your thoughts.

Ted Miles

Ted,

While WW&F #10 was indeed built on 1904, the boiler was replaced during her days at Edaville. I've heard the date 1960, but Jason or James might be able to give you a more exact date.

-John

Dave Markoff has said that E&P "Eureka" still has its orginal boiler courses that are stamped "steel.". If this is so, then they date from 1875.

I believe the 1855-built "Fairy Queen"; considered to be the oldest steam locomotive worldwide in regular service, is still on it's original boiler. It is operated by the New Delhi Railway Museum, New Delhi, N. India.

There is former Indian Railways "E" class 0-4-2 built by Vulcan Foundry in 1877 and occasionally used at BSSC Motipur Sugar Mill (now closed), Motipur, N. India that was running on it's original boiler.

Finally, SP 4-6-0 #2248 was built in 1896; and still regularly runs on it's lap seam boiler.

There are other engines in the this timeframe that are considered operational; but I don't know their operating frequency or if they have recieved new boilers.

-James Hefner
Hebrews 10:20a

Surviving World Steam Project

The "John Bull" (1831) still had its original wrought iron, lap seam boiler when the Smithsonian brought it out and ran it in '81. I don't expect it to ever run again, but what a feat! 150 years old at that time, which was the reason for the momentous run.

John is correct - Edaville reboilered the locomotive when they bought it. 1959 or 1960 is the timeframe they did this.

The new boiler is actually larger than the old boiler - which must have been fairly tiny.

While #10 wouldn't win the prize for the oldest, it might win the prize for the smallest boiler.

The D&R #9 2-6-0 I believe was built in 1884 or so, then rebuilt in 1904 where I think it was reboilered. It went through additional rebuild in the early 50's by the Mopac shops as well, but I believe the boiler is from the early rebuild of 1904. Currently it needs firebox repair and tubes for sure. Only a complete form 4 rebuild will tell the true story. The fibreglass insulation and jacketing was left on too long and many of the rivets are almost gone, so she may need barrel work as well. Another example of what happens when the insulation and jacketing stay on when a loco is outside. But she was running up till the late 80's or early 90's I think. Dates all subject to correction of course, just rough guess on the exact dates. John.

Yes, then there is the John Bull; I expected somebody to mention her.

But I don't think her one cermonial operation in decades is "regular operatopn' which is what I am asking about.

But 150 years is really something!

Ted miles

What about B&O #25 "William Mason"? Wasn't that running a few years ago? Did that engine recieve a new boiler at somepoint?

Regards,
Trevor H.

I would guess that #25 has been reboilered at some point, the existing boiler doesn't really look like a Mason product. Most Mason engines of that era had straight boilers or very low wagontop boilers. Perhaps the Strasburg guys have some clues from their rebuild?