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All aboard in Hubbard
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LOCAL RAILROAD: The Emerald Railroad logo appears on the vintage railroad cars on display behind the Emerald Diner.
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ENGINE PRESERVED: hubbard businessman J.P. Marsh stands near the 1910 Porter steam locomotive that he had reconditioned. The engine was used in carbon limestone mining in the Youngstown area until the 1960s. It's on display at the rear of the Emeral Diner in Hubbard.
High school students often use the train as a backdrop for pictures.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD — Porter steam engines may no longer glide along railroad tracks throughout the area, but at least one of the classic engines will be preserved so future generations can see what used to be.
The Porter steam locomotive, used in carbon limestone mining in the Youngstown area until the 1960s, was delivered to the rear of the Emerald Diner almost three years ago. The engine, however, has undergone some considerable changes in that three-year period.
The dull, all-black locomotive was delivered to the diner by truck from the B&O Station in Youngstown where it sat idle for years. Before resting at the B&O, the locomotive was on display at a carbon limestone site near Lowellville.
The locomotive was built in 1910 and has been in the area since that time. Now, it sits on a small stretch of track — next to a set of railroad tracks that are still in use — behind the Emerald Diner.
No part of the machine was distinguishable from any other part in paint or luster upon its delivery to the diner. Years of weathering had left the black finish on the locomotive devoid of any true character.
Businessman J.P. Marsh, who owns the diner, saw the potential in the machine when he purchased it and set to work making his vision a reality.
Red paint with yellow and gold trim now enhance the still-black locomotive. Lettering and a matching original coal car have also been added. Even the black paint has been given a new shine.
According to Marsh, one of the most challenging restoration efforts has been finding original valves, components and the brass bell at the head of the locomotive. Finding the needed accessories and putting in the restorative work, however, has been worth the effort to Marsh.
“It was quite a chore,” Marsh said. “Now, you could almost put coal in it and fire it up. Of course, you would not want to do that.”
Marsh said he is aware of only one other remaining Porter of the same type, and that one is located in Alaska. Its owner, he said, has repeatedly tried to buy parts from him to restore that locomotive.
Restoring the locomotive was not an inexpensive mission, but Marsh said it has been well worth the effort.
He said the train has been a favorite attraction for children visiting the diner.
Some high school students, he said, have used the location for senior pictures.
“I definitely have a lot of money just in the restoring of the machine, but it preserves the past more than anything. I just think it’s a nice attraction for the Hubbard area,” said Marsh.
H.K. Porter Inc. manufactured light-duty railroad locomotives in the United States beginning in 1866.
The company became the largest producer of industrial locomotives, and built almost 8,000 of them. The last locomotive was built in 1950, but the company continues to produce industrial equipment to this day.
Marsh believes his locomotive would have likely been cut up for scrap had it not been preserved.
The finished train joins a list of other collectible train items on display behind the diner.
jgoodwin@vindy.com