built SY-class 2-8-2. This locomotive was at the time sidelined because it was due for its 1472 service day inspec- tion. But the acquisition of this locomo- tive would have a few advantages for the Valley Railroad. First, it was a rel- atively new locomotive built by Tang- shan Locomotive and Rolling Stock Works in 1989, potentially eliminating some of the age issues faced by the two locomotives currently on the roster. Al- so, the SY’s boiler was welded, unlike those on engines 40 and 97, both of which are riveted. Many of the spare parts that the K&K had were inter- changeable with the other two Valley locomotives. But even as Conrad nego- tiated with the K&K, no progress was made on the purchase of the locomo- tive. So the search continued else- where. In the meantime, calamity had struck the K&K. An unusual tornado


LEFT: Engine 97 leads a Santa Special through Essex on December 21, 2007. This 1923 product of American Locomotive has been out of service since the end of 2010, pending an inspection and FRA-mandated rebuild. BELOW: On May 2, 2009, engine No. 3025 sits outside the Essex shops as steam cleaning of the exterior continues. In about a month the locomotive would slide into the shops to begin the actual work or returning this engine to active service.


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