The inside of the cab of an old coal-powered locomotive. This locomotive runs on a short track (about a mile) at a tourist attraction called Shantytown, which is a historical reconstruction of an old gold-mining town. This authentic, coal-fired locomotive was by far the most interesting thing there, even though it was now reduced to only such a trivial bit of service. It was actually a bit sad. I spoke to the engineer, who clearly loved the engine and took very good care of it. He said he doesn't even notice the smell of the burning coal any more. Before each run he stoked up the boiler with coal, and at the end he took on water from a trackside water tower with a long flexible pump arm, like you've seen in old western movies. They use those because they're the right tool for the job! It was a treat to be able to look around inside the cab of his engine.

The inside of the cab of an old coal-powered locomotive. This locomotive runs on a short track (about a mile) at a tourist attraction called Shantytown, which is a historical reconstruction of an old gold-mining town. This authentic, coal-fired locomotive was by far the most interesting thing there, even though it was now reduced to only such a trivial bit of service. It was actually a bit sad. I spoke to the engineer, who clearly loved the engine and took very good care of it. He said he doesn't even notice the smell of the burning coal any more. Before each run he stoked up the boiler with coal, and at the end he took on water from a trackside water tower with a long flexible pump arm, like you've seen in old western movies. They use those because they're the right tool for the job! It was a treat to be able to look around inside the cab of his engine.