This is called a “Steam Lokie”. Used a lot at the ole’ #9 Coal Mine in Coaldale, PA to haul coal from the Mine to the Coal Breaker that was nearby. The Breaker is no longer there, but this is all that remains from when Coal was King in this area.
Remember the song by Tennessee Ernie Ford “Sixteen Tons?” “You load 16 Tons and what do you get? Another day older and deeper in debt.” This is a 1 Ton Coal Car that was loaded by Miners using just a pick & shovel. When full, it was pulled out of the Mine using Mules & Horses. It was dangerous, dirty, and back-breaking work!
The Mine here is no longer open to the public. I don’t know why or what happened here. This Mine was a living museum to see just how hard the Miners of long ago had to work to earn a paycheck.
“I am an Anthracite Miner. Come walk with me . . . today, tomorrow, and eternity.”
Thank you.
Les
PHOTOJOURNAL OF CORKER2 