No. 643 in September 2011.
Michael T. Burkhart
WILLIAMS GROVE, Pa. – The Williams Grove Historical Steam Engine Association will operate its Pennsylvania Railroad 0-6-0 No. 643 during the Association’s annual steam show Aug. 30–Sept. 7. No. 643 is the only operable Pennsylvania Railroad steam locomotive. It was built by the Pennsylvania at its shops in Altoona in 1901.
The Association was founded in 1958 to preserve steam-powered equipment and to educate the public about the history of farming. The association uses steam engines for plowing, harvesting, and sawing and has early gas engines and tractors in addition to No. 643.
The annual steam show is held at the show grounds located west of Harrisburg and south of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. For details, visit www.wghsea.org.
The short stretch of track that the PRR 0-6-0 runs on runs parallel to NS's ex-RDG Lurgan Branch for a short distance. The PRR also used to make an appearance at this location. Until 1979 the ex D&M, CV, PRR, PC, CR Dillsburg Branch operated next to Williams Grove Park where the Steam Show is held every year. The Dillsburg Branch operated from Mechanicsburg to Dillsburg, approximately 7.2 miles and was even electrified at one time. This was prior to the very well-known PRR electrification between NY – Washington -Harrisburg, etc. In the early 1900's, two trolley wires were strung between the two towns to power a PRR coach converted to motor car and a trailer coach if needed for passenger train service between Dillsburg and Mechanicsburg where one could change trains for Harrisburg. Two trolley wires were used and set off to each side so that steam powered freights could still use the line without fouling the trolley wires with smoke (at least in theory). The electrified passenger service ended around 1929 but freight service continued until 1979. The line was state-subsidized under Conrail for three years but never included in their Final System Plan. Years ago this Labor Day weekend celebration was known as the "Granger's Picnic" and many attendees rode the Dillsburg Branch to get there from either end. I believe there i still a bridge located at D&M Junction just south of Williams Grove where the Dillsburg Branch ducked under the Reading (NS) Lurgan Branch.