Recent correspondence with the folks working to return Pennsylvania RR. 0-6-0 number 643 to service at Williams Grove, PA brings the following news.

The boiler has been removed and taken to a boiler repair shop in Landisville, PA. All of the interior sheets must be replaced down to but not including the mud ring. To save money the boiler will be worked on as a fill in project and is expected to take two years to complete. The metal to fabricate the sheets has already been purchased.

To make it easier to remove the boiler a rusted out portion of the bottom of the smokebox was cut out and the tapered bolts torched out of the saddle after the boiler was removed. Currently new tapered bolts are being machined and the new bottom of the smokebox is on hand. When the machining is complete the new smokebox bottom will be installed on the saddle. When the boiler returns it will be welded to the rest of the smokebox.

While the boiler is off the frame repairs to the frame will be done. It sags on both ends. Apparently old fractures in the frame were welded without the frame being pulled back into alignment. These will be cut apart, the frame straightened, and rewelded. Hopefully this will make the cab sit level again. The lower frame bars were cut out to allow replacement of something, probably staybolts. The metal cut out was never replaced. Replacing this metal will be a big job but it will be done. This butchery was probably done in the forty plus years the engine worked for the steel mill. It apparently took quite a bit of abuse. Other running gear repairs are also being planned.

Obviously this is a big project for a small organization. The board of directors has set up a special fund for anyone who wants to contribute to the project. The address is as follows:
Save 643 Fund
Williams Grove Historical Steam Engine Association Inc.
PO Box 509
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

The 643 is one of a small number of surviving PRR steam locomotives representing the days before K-4's and I-1's ruled the railroad. Since 1960 it has also been one of the few operating PRR steam locomotives. If you are interested in Pennsy steam I hope you will consider contributing to this very worthwhile project. My check is in the mail.

John Bohon



jhbohon@yahoo.com

John,

Thank you for sharing the information and updating everyone on this great little locomotive. Best Wishes!

Tom Gears