WP 165 Restoration Blog

Updates on the restoration of Western Pacific 0-6-0 number 165 at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum at Portola, California.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

A Whistle for the 165.

Through the generousity of Norman Holmes, we now have a whistle for our locomotive. This five-chime was originally carried on the WP 166, an identical sister to our 165.

For the time being, it is mounted on a display base until it's time for it to go up on the engine. According to Norman, it was last used a few years ago on V&T #29 at Virginia City for a day or two.

The WP 166 did not escape the scrappers torch, but at least her voice will survive to echo around the hills of Portola once again.

Thanks again to Norm, for this and for offering to bring a headlight down to Oroville for the WP Historical Society Convention. Unfortunately my truck was uncooperative so I did not make it. Maybe next year...

Don't forget our next steam work session takes place July 28th-August 1st, 2009. Please let David or me know if you will be requiring space in the Pullman. Have a great summer and stay safe. - JCA