Veteran locomotive #1, the engine that started it all back in 1976, got a rather patriotic paint scheme by the M&H shop forces last week. Constructed for the US Army Transportation Corps, it wore #7272 until it was acquired by the M&H in 1976; it has been a fixture of the railroad ever since, occasionally holding down freight and passenger assignments.

Here she is in Hummelstown, sans MIDH reporting marks for the moment, near the Main Street grade crossing. Behind #1 is an ex-CNJ cabin car. Both are temporarily residing in Hummelstown thru August and September to provide caboose rides on Friday evenings. Caboose rides depart the new M&H gift shop and temporary station at Main Street from 5 PM to 7 PM over the Hummelstown section of trackage rarely seen by regular M&H trains. I want to say tickets are $2 for adults, $1 for children.

It is the hope of the Railroad to run regular train into Hummelstown, but, for now US 322 is an exempt crossing and will require much upgrades before the PA PUC will allow trains to regularly cross this busy section of roadway.

The new gift shop is stocked with M&H items, RR books, T-shirts, railroadiana, etc. Hours vary, so, its best to call the Railroad at 717-944-4435 to find out the hours of the Hummelstown gift shop. The shop is open on Friday evenings when the caboose runs, however. If you are in the Hummelstown area on a Friday night, stop on by and take a ride!