The Williams Grove Steam Engine Association, of Pennsylvania,
which completed its third Annual exhibition last Labor Day, is
planning the establishment and operation of a steam railroad. As a
part of the plan a ‘Railroad Division’ was set up.
This Railroad Division, headed by Ralph Hull and George Fawber,
President and Secretary respectively of the traction engine group
burg, Pa. It is intended to keep the railroad operation separate
and distinct from that of the traction engine and farm machinery
group, although many old time thresher-men have expressed interest
and have purchased stock in the venture.
A steam locomotive, No. 5, an old Pennsy switcher of the 0-6-0
wheel arrangement, built in 1901, has been purchased and is already
on the association’s grounds at Williams Grove, Pa. Another
engine, an 0-4-0 Alco saddle tanker also has been purchased by an
individual and donated to the railroad. It will be brought by rail
in the near future.
Officials are now making inquiries for cars. The equipment will
be housed in a large building purchased from the United States
Government at New Cumberland, Pa., which has been torn down and
moved to Williams Grove. Erection will take place just as soon as
the weather permits.
It is hoped to have the railroad in partial operation by the
time the next show is scheduled.