East Broad Top #16 front flue sheet removal

Just another day at the office… last Tuesday apprentice boilermaker Matt removed the front flue sheet from East Broad Top locomotive #16. A cutting torch and grinder made short order of the task. A new sheet will replace the existing.

Delivered in 1916, it was the first of the largest group of the railroad’s steam engines, incorporating new features like piston valves and superheating – able to haul 60 empty hopper cars from Mount Union to Rockhill Furnace.

The last locomotive to be overhauled before the 1956 closing of the common carrier era; it’s expected to be the first back in service. Other than being pulled out of the roundhouse for display during a few special events, since the mid 1950’s it has sat idle in the shadows… waiting for the limelight.

Follow the link below to my images.

Enjoy,
Matthew

Link to Photos