Hello All

Had the opportunity to visit the Pioneer Tunnel in Ashland. With Strasburg, New Hope, the WK&S and Steamtown, its a place often overlooked, but with the drive into the Pennsylvania coal fields.

For those unfamiliar with the operation, they have two tours, a ride into a mine with a bettery operated motor and a ride on an 0-4-0T about a mile up to an old stripping pit. The engine, known as the "Henry Clay" is a genuine Anthracite fuled engine. Re-built about five years ago, the engine now features a welded boiler.

I hadn't visited the place since I begged my mother to take me at about age 12. I had stayed away all this time partly because of the "carnival" nature of the train but was pleasantly suprised when I returned. The Henry Clay and train have been painted in more subdued colors than I remember (and that still show on the website) and the engine has even been given a proper headlamp. I found the staff to be quite friendly and my friend and I spent a good half hour talking to the engineer/fireman before the trip. He even made a point to move his Gatorade bottle out of the cab window so I could get a decent picture. Nice touch.

Just wanted to point out the place, since I had a very pleasant experience and its not often mentioned in preservation or railfan circles....

Dave Crosby

http://www.pioneertunnel.com/
bing@epix.net

I was there about 2 years ago and it was well worth the visit.

I have heard that the crew there is very nice and allows for cab rides/other accomadations. I want to get down here sometime. I believe they had (or had) two 0-4-0Ts there, the "Henry Clay" and "Henry Clay 2".

-Ed Kelley

GTNGRR@aol.com

Dave,

It's been a while since I've visited there; thanks for jogging my memory about going back (this summer). The mine tour is both educational and a great way to cool off on a hot summer day!

Pioneer Tunnel has two ex-Lehigh Valley Coal Company "lokies", both are Vulcan Iron Works 0-4-0T's. The original one used on these tours (the "Henry Clay") was built in 1926. The second one (the "Henry Clay 2") was built in 1927. The last time I was there the second one was being used and the original one was being rebuilt. Not sure which one is running now, although it sounds like they're back to the first one (with a new boiler).

Continuing the earlier thread on "vintage" steam tourist line photos from Mr. Saul Nadler's webpages is the below linked shot of the original Pioneer Tunnel "Henry Clay" 0-4-0T no doubt taken during the same 60's / early 70's time frame of his other pictures.

Regards,
Jim Robinson


The Henry Clay

> The original one used
> on these tours (the "Henry Clay")
> was built in 1926. The second one (the
> "Henry Clay 2") was built in 1927.

err... switch the dates around.

Regards,
Jim Robinson

Hello Jim

Thanks for the picture. You'd be amazed how a "real" railroad headlamp improves the appearence of the engine.

When I visited, the "original" henry clay was running and the other was in the shed, but the engineer said it could be fired up in short order, needing about "a days worth of work".

Dave

bing@epix.net

Dumb question:

Does anybody think that there could be a way to put together a "photo freight" of coal wagons, empty or loaded, for a real industrial photo freight opportunity?

I know from firsthand experience that 1) there is amost no trackage to spare around that operation for switching, and 2) the cars are set up for passenger convenience only..........

But a photo freight of coal cars in use on a vintage stretch of track, combined with the spectacular views of the valley...........

Hel-LOOOOOO, Carl Franz..........



LNER4472-NOSPAM-@bcpl.net

Isn't this attraction owned & operated by the borough of Ashland? And if it is owned by Ashland Boro, is it budgeted through the state since the Coal Miners Museum of PA is in the lower parking lot on the way back out to RT 61.

I was there also about a year ago. Great day trip for that person with you who really isn't a railfan.

Jeff Slupski

mcc385@yahoo.com

Dah, all I had to do was read their website to find the answer to that question.....sorry.

mcc385@yahoo.com

Hello Sandy...

Actually there is a quasi runaround track there, as well as another dead end track that might make things a little easier. I think all the available cars have been converted for passengers, but there's enough of those wagons in junkyards in the PA foothills that an enterprising tour operator might be able to put four or five together for a photo train. Then leave them as a donation perhaps? Food for thought...

Dave Crosby

bing@epix.net