Words can't describe how happy I was to finally have a chance to operate a steam locomotive! This has been my top dream since I was a young kid, and it was well worth the wait.
The Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine in Ashland, Pennsylvania held their first "Hand on the Throttle" event on November 4, 2023, and I was fortunate to secure one of the time slots. I had ridden there as a passenger several times and was happy I would get to operate a locomotive on a track I was familiar with.
The steam locomotive I operated is the #1 Henry Clay, affectionately nicknamed "The Lokie." She's a 0-4-0 saddle tank engine built in 1972 by the Vulcan Iron Works, and she burns locally-mined anthracite coal.
I had a great experience operating The Lokie, and I thank everyone at the Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine. This may have been my first time, but I'm sure it won't be my last!
A huge thanks to my YouTube friend Collin from @PANortheasternRailfan for telling me about the event and filming my runs trackside. I also want to thank my Reading & Northern colleague Jim Garraway for doing the onboard filming and for sharing the experience with me.
Chasing trains and building models is hard work! You can help me refuel and support my adventures at:
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