Robby Peartree just forwarded to me the news that former KCC 0-4-0T 309 has been acquired by
either the museum or Ry. in Ely, NV. This is a significant event as the engine is the only surviving pit engine that worked there.
309 was purchased by a reader of this forum back in the 60's and initially went to Rio Vista Junction IIRC, but thence to Castro Point in Richmond, CA where it was restored to operation by members of the PLA around 1970. The first runs were made without the square saddle tank and one or two 55 gallon drums were fastened to the side and plumbed to the injector suction for water. We fired her on whatever wood we could find. The large Radley & Hunter smokestack that was on her for years was fabricated in the nearby Std. Oil Refinery and charged to 6 Blr at #1 Power Plant during her annual shutdown. I think the bosses might have even known what was up back then.
Renumbered 3, she was a lot of fun to run & fire and was so darned quiet went she went by. Although she was operated some later in Niles Canyon, it was decided that she did not fit into the steam department's plans and then became available. Good news for Nevada. I'd like to thank the gentleman responsible for saving her in the first place & perhaps he can add some more here or correct any errors that I may have made.