Good evening to all:

I just returned from a very busy day at Williams Grove, Pennsylvania (a short drive south of Harrisburg PA) where we are nearing the completion of the overhaul of our PRR B4a 0-6-0 #643. This project has been ongoing for the last 4.5 years. The locomotive itself is mechanically ready to run. The boiler is full of water and the firebox is full of wood, waiting for the first match. We are now very, very close to the first test fire up. The current work the last few weeks has been mostly on the tender. Those of you familiar with 643 may remember that she has always had a noticeable "droop" in the rear. This was due to the frame being cut and re-welded without replacing any steel (we do not know the exact reason for this) at some point during her life. During the overhaul, while the boiler was away at the contractor, we re-cut, and straightened the frame. Due to this the tender was now to short for the locomotive. During the last few weeks this has been in the process of being corrected. With much of this work done things are looking good for a late April test firing. I will not announce any dates, as this is technically not a pubic event, but those of you who may live in the Central PA region will want to listen for a PRR Passenger whistle and look for coal smoke in the vicinity of Williams Grove.

There will still be much to do after the test run is completed. We will of course have to address any issues that come up during the test run. The electrical system is basically still non-existent and will have to be rebuild basically from scratch, and there will be tons of wire brushing, scaling and etc to do so the locomotive can be repainted. Any new volunteers are always welcome, so come on down if you want to get actual steam locomotive under your nails! Financial support of any size donation is also always greatly appreciated.

No schedule has yet been set for operations this summer. 643 will run for our annual steam show for sure. We are also considering various re-dedication/open house scenarios. We will also be hosting our very popular "your-hand on the throttle" type program on various weekends yet to be determined. We are also available for charter. I'll keep you posted as things develop.

I just wanted to share this exciting news with the group, and thank all who have supported us for their past and continued support. We are in for a very exciting year at Williams Grove!

Tom von Trott

Thanks for sharing the news. I can't wait to see her run. Please post some photos sometime if possible.

Thanks Again,

sounds like you're doing a great job, and PLEASE post some pics! Be great to have the 643 hot again./
Dave

There are pictures of the overhaul available on the the 643 website, which is part of http://www.williamsgrovesteam.org.

I will of course post some pics when we fire her up.

Tom von Trott

How should one go about making a donation to this fine organization and worthy cause? I did not notice a mailing address on the web page.

Alan Maples

Mail donations to:

Williams Grove Historical Steam Engine Association, Inc.
Save the 643 fund
P.O. Box 509
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

John Bohon