| Number: 16 | Name: Nick (2021) | |
|---|---|---|
| Date Built: 6/1916 | Date Purchased: 1916 | Date Sold: none |
| Line Built for: East Broad Top | Disposition: Unserviceable | |
| Builder: Baldwin | Model: 12-34 1/4-E | Serial Number: 43562 |
| Style: coal fired steam | Type: Mikado | Wheel Arrangement: 2-8-2 |
| Track Gauge: 3' | Tractive Effort: 30,600 | Pressure/Power: 180 psi |
| Valve Gear/Transmission: Southern | Driver Size: 48" | Cylinder Bore: 20X24 |
| Weight: 163,000 | Engine Weight: | Adhesive Weight: 134,600 |
| Grate: | Fuel Capy.: | Water Capy.: |
#16 was the first of the largest group of Mikados. They incorporated new features like piston valves and superheating. As a test of houer power she was able to pull 60 empties from Mount Union to Rockhill.
The EBT mais was still mostly 60# rail which was a bit underrated for these locos. Points with less than 60# and hight stress areas like Coles curver were upgraded to 70 and 85# rail.
#16 and her sisters were the pricipal engines in the waning yeras of the railroad. She has not been reoprated since the 1956 closing, due to her large size and more complex mechanics. Plans were announced around 1984 to reoperated her, but #14 was rebuilt instead likely due to the lack of current papaerwork on #16. She was the last locmotive to be overhauled before the closing and so is a prime candidate for restoration.
#16 along with sister #17 has a welded steel tender rather than riveted. According to reports, both came with rivited tenders and new welded tender tanks were purchased from Baldwin in the late 40's. The same reports say that the boiler is a Baldwin built replacement.
August 10 1985 Joe Kovalchick announced his intention to reactivate #16. In the end #14 was rebuilt instead, reportedly because #16's boiler paperwork had been destroyed by a roof leak. #16 was pulled out of the roundhouse for the first time since 1955 in July 1987 for an NMRA group. In the 1991 she and #18 were pulled out for display with the two locos facing each other across Meadow Street.
With the purchase of the EBT in 2020 by the EBT Foundation, all the Mikados were evaluated as to which were the best candidates for return to service. #16 received a steam clenaing March 11, 2020 in preparation for her inspection. Along with #14, #16 was selected in early May 2020 for rebuild. Asbestos abatement occured in early May 2-9, 2020 in roundhosue stall 8. A succesful hydrostatic test was performed the week of May 18-22, 2020. Tear down of #16 began in April of 2020 and work continues as of this wiritng to return her to service in 2021. Work on the locomotive included rebuilding of the tender trucks, fabrication of a new tender tank by Curry Rail Services of Holidaysburg, PA, new ties on tender wheels, tender air system rebuilt, 3/4 of front tube sheet replaced, small parts of the door sheet repaired, replacing of staybolts, renewall of the generator and air pumps. As of 8-21-2021 restoration, renewal, or replacement of the following appliances and parts was reported as complete: Air tanks, dynamo, piping, two air pumps, two Hancock Inspirator injectors, new ceramic insulation, and new boiler jacketing. The first of the jacking started going on in late November 2021. The new tender tank was delivered to the EBT for the second time (first time after fabrication) after interior spray lining with epoxy, on 12-17-2021.
She is anticpated to be completed in late winter of 2021/2022.
