The biggest project in years has begun with the acquisition of another steam locomotive.  Engine #4, a 1914 Baldwin 2-6-2 with tender, arrived on May 19th, after its inspection and shipping from Hardin, Kentucky. More details of this project will be posted as they develop.  The photo depicts this engine in service on the Lee Tidewater Cypress lumber operation in Florida.

Track Expansion Project

Our track work project is near completion; the remainder of the project will involve the final raising and surfacing of the track, and associated landscaping.
 

The Whitcomb Rebuild

Our mechanical forces have made repairs to the diesel electric  Whitcomb  locomotive and it was used to pull some trains in the fall of 2007, and ran on several days in 2008. The locomotive will be used on occasion during 2009 on some scheduled diesel days. This locomotive was used in Europe during World War II, and then worked in two Gulf Oil refineries before coming to Kempton.

Repairing the Reading 92936

Work has been completed on our wooden sided caboose, Reading 92936. In 2005, this car received an interior refurbishing. The exterior work, including a new paint job, is now completed; new wood was installed on the east side of the car, as well as the underlying structural wood, and window frame replacements.
 

Passenger Car Maintenance

Our most recent passenger car project was repairing and repainting coach # 582, with lettering to be completed next spring.  This car will be lettered for the "Lackawanna" Railroad, and features slight variations in the paint scheme from the balance of our Reading coaches. Coach #1474 car was painted in 2007 and was used extensively this year. Coach 1365, a coach held in reserve, received paint and metal work to protect it from the weather.

The Big GE 65 Ton Gets a Complete Overhaul
Our 65 -ton GE locomotive is currently undergoing air brake and minor mechanical work as part of its return to service. Volunteers will be working on this project throughout 2008 and into 2009. This project also involved having the wheels turned by an outside contractor. WK&S crews completed the rebuilding and repairing of the 4-traction motors, and rehabilitating all locomotive brake rigging. Current work includes electrical wiring and body repairs.

The C&O Gets A New Look and Gets Rollin Again....

Our storage boxcar, C&O 5504, is now repainted in its original 1960 scheme, and ventured out on one train on a photo freight special, as well as a steam photo freight on May 31st, 2008.

What's Gone from the WK&S..

The Mack was sold to JC McHugh and has been refurbished and is awaiting motive repairs at their facility.

Our former business car #98 departed Kempton in January 2007 for its new home in Minersville, PA.