Bullard No. 2: Preserving the Past, Engaging the Present, Inspiring the Future

A crowd of visitors fell silent as Bullard No. 2 takes a spin around the turntable at Steamtown NHS.

NPS Photo

Amidst a busy Independence Day weekend, a hush fell over the crowd at Steamtown National Historic Site on Saturday, July 5, 2025, as Bullard Company No. 2 made its ceremonial debut on the park’s historic turntable. The 1937 narrow-gauge 0-4-0T locomotive was proudly unveiled before a crowd of enthusiastic visitors, rail fans, volunteers and staff — marking the culmination of a 15-year journey since its removal from public display. While restoration work occurred intermittently over that time, efforts were rejuvenated in 2022 to complete the cosmetic transformation.

Baldwin Locomotive Works No. 26 pushed Bullard into position, signaling a long-awaited moment made possible by the hands-on dedication of volunteers, staff and interns. Though the restoration was cosmetic and the engine remains non-operational, the display highlights the continued mission of Steamtown to preserve and interpret America’s rich railroading legacy.

Several volunteers from the past 15 years joined to celebrate their efforts.

NPS Photos

Volunteers at the Heart of Restoration Efforts

The unveiling was more than a celebration of machinery — it was a tribute to the people who made it happen. Volunteers from across departments, including those in restoration, interpretation, and administration, gathered for a group photo and shared stories of their contributions. Their hard work, expertise, and attention to detail brought this display to life, capturing the essence of Steamtown’s mission.

Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed themed activities such as guided tours of the shop highlighting Bullard machinery, a kids’ craft station featuring miniature wooden trains, and collectible trading cards that offered visitors a keepsake of the special occasion. Event programs and coloring sheets tied into the day’s message: that preservation is a shared legacy, and history belongs to all of us.

Bullard No. 2 on display, Fireman side, with buildings in downtown Scranton in the background. B&W

NPS Photo (STEA Collection)

Bullard Company

The Bullard Machine Tool Co. was founded in 1880 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and is known for producing vertical lathes used in industries such as transportation and construction. Steamtown has an operational Bullard lathe in its shop. The company changed its name to the Bullard Co. in 1929. The firm’s Bridgeport plant had sufficient sidings and loading tracks to require its own small switching locomotive. That locomotive — now known as Bullard No. 2 — was used to switch cars to and from the loading tracks and line up loaded cars for pickup by a freight train.

About Bullard No. 2

Built in 1937, Bullard No. 2 is a rare example of an industrial switcher locomotive used in factory and foundry settings. While not originally part of a common-carrier railway, it represents an important piece of industrial transportation history, often overlooked in mainstream rail narratives.

The locomotive was acquired by the National Park Service in 1994 and now holds a place of honor at Steamtown, offering visitors a chance to experience the diversity of America’s railroading story beyond large mainline steam locomotives

Steamtown NHS volunteers John R. and Brian W. working on Bullard No. 2, 2019

NPS Photo

Preservation in Action

The event reinforced Steamtown’s mission to connect visitors with the stories of people and machines that helped build the nation. With this restoration, Steamtown invites guests to not only admire Bullard No. 2’s aesthetic revival but also reflect on the collaboration and care required to preserve history for future generations.

Interested in Volunteering?

Steamtown’s volunteers play an important role in preserving and sharing railroad history. To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Steamtown, visit volunteer.gov