• An engineer inspects the running gear of a steam locomotive at Steamtown NHS

    Steamtown

    National Historic Site Pennsylvania

Locomotive Shop Tour

Two of Steamtown's mechanics trim railroad wheels on a large lathe.

Two of Steamtown's mechanics prepare to reshape a locomotive wheel on a wheel lathe.  The sledge hammer is used for fine adjustment of the cleat which holds the wheels in place.

NPS Photo

Join a Park Ranger or a Volunteer on a 45-minute look at what it takes to maintain and repair steam locomotives. This walk through this historic Locomotive Shop of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad allows all to see the huge behind-the-scenes system that was necessary for safe, efficient railroad operations.

Departs from the Visitor Center. Included in the Park Entrance Fee. Possible heat and noise warning.

Did You Know?

An engineer peers out of the cab of a steam locomotive.  The engineer drives the train, but the conductor is in charge.

The engineer drives the locomotive using the throttle lever, brakes, and reversing gear.  He (or she) is in charge of the locomotive.  The conductor, however, is in charge of the train.  Learn more about railroad jobs at Steamtown NHS in Scranton, Pennsylvania. More...