Locomotive #734
WK&S acquired locomotive #734 in 2004. After a massive four year restoration, #734 emerged from the WK&S shops in 2010 with virtually every system renewed and a bright new paint scheme.
Locomotive #734 is a General Electric 65-ton center-cab, built in 1956. It was acquired from the Railway Restoration Project 113 in Minersville, PA. Project 113 is the CNJ 0-6-0 #113 steam locomotive restoration. The GE was donated to Project 113 and in turn was traded to the WK&S for CNJ Business Car #98. WK&S has not used car #98 in decades.
GE #734 was built in December 1956 with serial #32734. It was built for the US Metals & Refining Division of American Metals (AMAX). The locomotive's number at that time was #4. However, the locomotive had no number when it arrived at the WK&S. It was decided to renumber the locomotive "734", which represents the last three digits of the serial number.
Before coming to the WK&S, #734 was stored at Koppers Corporation in Muncy, PA. The locomotive had been used to switch cars hauling scrap ties. The ties are burned for steam and electric. WK&S personnel tested the locomotive on December 27, 2003 and again in July of 2004. Both engines ran. One truck was complete and functional allowing the locomotive to move under its own power. The other truck had been de-motored. While replacing a motor in this truck, the new motor was dropped, cracked and then never reinstalled. This is why Koppers took the locomotive out of service. All the wheels needed to be turned. And the locomotive needed some body work and lots of TLC.
On Election Day, November 2, 2004, the locomotive was moved from Koppers to Kempton by truck. The route was East I-80 to South I-81 to McAdoo, PA and South on Rt. 309 to Hometown and then East on Rt. 54 to Nesquehoning; North on Rt. 209, thru Jim Thorpe to Lehighton, then West on 443 back to South Tamaqua to meet back up with 309; then over the Blue Mountain to New Tripoli to Rt. 143 to Kempton.
WK&S personnel test #734 on December 27, 2003. The smaller GE locomotive in the background is similar to WK&S locomotive #7258. It was deemed unsalvageable and will likely be stripped and scrapped. Photo by Keith Dorn.
At Koppers the locomotive is lifted off its trucks in preparation for the move. Photo by Jesse Dorn.
En route from Koppers.
#734's transport truck takes a wheel cooling break at McAdoo along Rt 309.
Meanwhile, the trucks and other parts arrive and are unloaded in downtown Kempton. Photo by Gary Zweizig.
The locomotive arrives. Photo by Gary Zweizig.
A second crane is needed to lift the 65-tonner. Photo by Gary Zweizig.
Once in the air, the flat-bed is driven away and the trucks are rolled back under. Photo by Gary Zweizig.
4:30pm - Done. Photo by Gary Zweizig.
Fuel and air tanks arrive separately and await renewal and reinstallation.
All the motor parts from the disabled truck. One of the motor cases needs to be fixed or replaced before reassembly.
Inside the cab.
CNJ Business Car #98 was traded for GE locomotive #734 . Here they are together before #98 leaves for Minersville.
#734 was in the shop by the end of 2006. A power washing has removed most of the purple paint. Both trucks and all their components are out being rebuilt. All wheels are being re-contoured.
With the purple paint gone, "US Metals" is visible on the sides of the cab.
A truck awaiting reassembly, a peek inside a traction motor gear box and a collection of axle journal boxes.
Re-contoured wheels.
The front rebuilt truck is rolled back under the locomotive, March 2008. Photo by Adam Christman.
Here's a progress shot of the cab showing new flooring, chair and paint. The locomotive has been upgraded to #26 brakes.
Introducing WK&S #734. It was decided that the locomotive number will be 734, which is the last three digits of the serial number. Here's an "artist's conception" of the cab lettering.
Final paint prep is underway in May, 2010. The photo above shows what will become the locomotive's yellow stripe.
Paint was complete by June 2010. See the top of this page for the end result.
Here's a three-fold brochure commemorating the restoration of #734. Click image for larger picture.
On December 4th & 5th 2010, #734 was charged with powering the annual Santa Claus Specials. This was the first year the Santa trains were not steam powered. Coach heat was provided by box car #5504, which was equipped with a steam generator.
Decorated #734 warms up in front of the shop.
A southbound Santa train rounds the curve at Trexler. Box car #5504 (out of frame) brings up the rear.
Click for a pdf list of everything that was done in the course of rebuilding #734.