In November 2001, I was finally able to wander up to Scranton, Pennsylvania and tour the Steamtown National Historical Site where steam railroading is brought to life so Americans can understand its role in our history.  This was a very special trip for me as I had wanted to tour the Steamtown collection since it was located years ago in Bellows Falls, Vermont.

On the next few pages, you'll see some of the unique and hugely sized equipment needed to overhaul and maintain steam locomotives as well as the steam locomotives themselves.

• If you think you how to use power tools, take a look at these locomotive repair tools which are used to repair the wheel, rims and axles of steam locomotives.
• The Steamtown locomotives which are not in operable condition must be restored with private donations, but once overhauled can be maintained by the National Park Service with public money.  Let's take a peek at a couple of locomotives under restoration.
• Resting in retirement after a long career of pulling revenue trains and railfan excursions is Reading T-1 locomotive # 2124.  Here's a picture of how she looks today at Steamtown.