Uploaded October 2015 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
The Sumpter Valley Railway is home to a restored Westside Lumber coffin tank car. These once ubiquitous cars provided a source of water for the locomotives of the Westside Lumber company in California. My understanding is that this is the only remaining one left. It was lovingly restored in 2014. Not only was it cosmeticly restores, but it is completely functional too. The car has a steam powered pump that is located on the front. this pump is supplied steam from the locomotive. This was NOT done just for show! On teh SVRY, the Heisler #3 locomotuve has just enough water to make a run from McEwen to Sumpter and back. However, when the railroad runs their annual photographers specials, the locomotive is doing runbys all day, and needs extra water to make it through the day. This tank car is the answer! I knew I was witnising something special when even the crew members were taking pictures of it. Just one of many amazingly restored pieces of equipment at the Sumpter Valley Railway.
The Sumpter Valley Railway is home to a restored Westside Lumber coffin tank car. These once ubiquitous cars provided a source of water for the locomotives of the Westside Lumber company in California. My understanding is that this is the only remaining one left. It was lovingly restored in 2014. Not only was it cosmeticly restores, but it is completely functional too. The car has a steam powered pump that is located on the front. this pump is supplied steam from the locomotive. This was NOT done just for show! On teh SVRY, the Heisler #3 locomotuve has just enough water to make a run from McEwen to Sumpter and back. However, when the railroad runs their annual photographers specials, the locomotive is doing runbys all day, and needs extra water to make it through the day. This tank car is the answer! I knew I was witnising something special when even the crew members were taking pictures of it. Just one of many amazingly restored pieces of equipment at the Sumpter Valley Railway.
