Preserving the Baldwin Locomotive 152
Our mechanical team rebuilds and restores all aspects of the trains, including the construction and refurbishment of wooden passenger cars, like the ones you ride in when you visit Strasburg Rail Road. One of our projects was restoring the Baldwin Locomotive 152 for the Huckleberry Railroad.
A Brief History of the Baldwin Locomotive 152
The Baldwin No. 152 was built by Baldwin Locomotive Works, which was originally located on Broad St. in Philadelphia, PA. The steam locomotive was built in 1920 to be used on the Tanana Valley Railroad in Alaska. It was purchased by the Alaska Engineering Commission (AEC) to help build the Alaska Railroad.
After World War II, it fell into disuse and years later was discovered in a junkyard of old tires. The locomotive was eventually purchased by the Huckleberry Railroad in Genesee Charter Township, MI. They ran the locomotive as their No. 2 but have since changed the number back to its original number, 152. The Baldwin No. 152 had been out of commission for 10 years before our refurbishment project.
What Was Our Process?
During our evaluation of No. 152, it became apparent that the steam engine required a lot of work.
We found that the door sheet was original to the steam engine and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the Baldwin No. 152 still had its original turret when it arrived at our shop. However, it had become unstable over the years so it needed to be replaced. We fabricated a new one and installed it so it looked as good as new.
Another area that needed a lot of work was the flue sheets. They take on an extraordinary amount of pressure from the boiler, and the rear flue sheet is exposed to the direct heat from the fire, which can be more than 2,000℉.
The lower half of the front flue sheet was replaced, several areas of the side sheets and crown sheet were also repaired, and finally, new stay bolts were installed. The rear flue sheet was removed and replaced.
Our team also machined a new steam dome lid. Since the steam dome houses the regulator valve, safety valve, and whistle, keeping them protected is a priority.
Why Work with Strasburg Mechanical Services
We are passionate not only about trains but for their preservation and restoration. Any time we can help save a train from being damaged by time, we’ll do anything we can to prevent that.
Our Mechanical Shop can help with all aspects of a restoration and has decades of experience to rely on. Contact us today for help on your restoration project.