Repainting Pioneer Tunnel's Lokie to its original livery | Spring 2024

Описание: There's only one thing I've enjoyed more than operating a steam locomotive, and that's my recent involvement in repainting one!

Both experiences involved the Lokie at Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine & Steam Train in Ashland, PA. This narrow-gauge Vulcan 0-4-0 saddle-tank engine was built in 1927 as Lehigh Valley Coal Company #123. She has operated at Pioneer since 1962 as the #1 Henry Clay, but finally the decision was made to restore her to her original livery.

My involvement began when I was asked to create the digital files to cut the stencils for the lettering and numbering. All I had was some measurements of the Lokie and a few old photos of the similar #126 L.V.C.Co. to work from.

One thing lead to another, and next thing I know I was in the shop helping to do the prep work along with other volunteers from Project 113. The big day came on April 13th when Collin from ‪@PANortheasternRailfan‬ and I applied the stencils and painted the white letters and numbers.

This was THE most satisfying project I have ever worked on! But I didn't do it alone, I have to thank Collin, Jerry, Josh, and others who helped out. It was a great experience to be part of this team!

Now technically the Lokie not 100% finished because we ran out of days before the operating season began, but we did achieve the goal that was set out for us and will return over the winter to finish the job. The last details involve striping on the cab sides and tank as well as additional 123 numbering on one of the domes.

0:00 intro
0:58 March 30th prep work
7:25 shop tour with mine carts and Lokie #119
10:32 April 6th more prep work
16:16 April 13th lettering and numbering
32:15 Lokie's first public appearance in new livery
32:56 end screen

Chasing trains and building models is hard work! You can help me refuel and support my adventures at:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/jamiemakin