| What's happening at the WK&S
(Update: January 2008).
The track work project started in 2004 is near completion; with both tracks completed into our storage building. The remainder of the project will involve the final raising and surfacing of the track, and associated landscaping.
Our mechanical forces have been making repairs to the diesel electric Whitcomb locomotive and it was used to pull some trains in the fall of 2007. This locomotive was used in Italy during World War II, and then worked in Gulf Oil refineries before coming to Kempton.
Work has been completed on our wooden sided caboose, Reading 92936, shown above. In 2005, this car received an interior refurbishing. The exterior work, including a new paint job, is now completed and is shown above. All new wood was installed on the east side of the car, as well as the underlying structural wood, and window frame replacements.
Our most recent passenger car project was repairing and repainting coach # 1474; this car is now in service. Our next coach to receive paint and other repairs is Lackawanna coach 582. Coach 1365, a coach held in reserve, received paint and metal work to protect it from the weather.
Our former business car #98 departed Kempton in January 2007 for it's new home in Minersville, PA.
Our 65 -ton GE locomotive is currently undergoing wheel work and truck rebuilding as part of it's return to service. Volunteers will be working on this project throughout 2008. This project involved having the wheels turned by an outside contractor, rebuilding and repairing the 4 traction motors, and rehabilitating all locomotive brake rigging. Minor mechanical work and a new paint job will complete this locomotive.
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.
In 2002, a new book was published by Wally Ely, a volunteer at the railroad. Called "Does This Train Go Up Hawk Mountain?", the 49-page book (with 17 pages of color photos) is prepared in a question and answer format, with a detailed history of the formation of the railroad. It is available in the WK&S gift Shop and at some local bookstores. Cost for the book is $14.95. The book can also be ordered by phone/mail/internet at: www.rails-n-shafts.com
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