For the last 57 years, the No. 9 Porter locomotive has been a fixture near the shoreline of Lake Whatcom. However, it has fallen into disrepair with some of its components vandalized or stolen. The Permanente Cement Company purchased the engine from the U.S. Navy and eventually donated it to the City of Bellingham in 1960.
The Northwest Railway Museum will place the locomotive on exhibit as another key piece in fulfilling its mission of interpreting and preserving Pacific Northwest railway history. The relocation of the locomotive occurs today, Sept. 21st through a museum-funded effort.
“We are thrilled that this piece of Bellingham history has found a permanent home where it will be well cared for,” says Bellingham Mayor Kelli Linville. The Northwest Railway Museum is looking forward to having this piece of railway history added to its collection and to placing it on exhibit.
— A Northwest Railway Museum news release. Sept. 21, 2017.
Bellingham local here, and I’m glad #7 went to Snoqualmie. Having seen her as both child and adult, I do have a soft spot for her, but she was rather forlorn and neglected for many years. I’m not aware of any recent moves to keep her around, and with a limited local history, the civic attachment isn’t there. I think Snoqualmie will take good care of her.
Number 7could have her missing parts sought or duplicated for restoration to operating condition. To be on static display without those missing parts will look incomplete, especially to those familiar with steam locomotive designs.
According to “Washington State Steam Locomotives” by Kenneth G. Johnson 1978, the engine is an 0-4-0T built by H. K. Porter, November 1918, as U S Navy #7, assigned to Norfolk, VA, and the Naval Shipyard at Bremerton, WA. Everything I have seen shows her as #7 (not #9). I had nearly forgotten about this engine, and I believe Snoqualmie, WA will be a good home.
This is a small engine, and obviously in very neglected condition. It pales in comparison to 4501, 611, and 261.
However, any time there is a thoughtful plan to preserve railroad history, it is a win for the preservation movement.
A sincere salute to the Northwest Rail Museum for their efforts
What is the wheel arrangement? 2-6-2T, 0-6-0T, 0-4-0T, 0-6-2T? This was not reported properly!