With the support of a $15,000 grant from the Emery Rail Heritage Trust, the Black River Railroad Historical Trust successfully purchased and installed a layover heater in diesel locomotive No. 438. This funding covered the acquisition and installation of the heater as well as the necessary electrical components to power it.

The layover heater marks a pivotal upgrade for the Black River Railroad Historical Trust. This device maintains and circulates coolant water at 80°F while the locomotive is shut down. Diesel engines of this type cannot use antifreeze to prevent freezing, making water pipes vulnerable to freezing and breaking in cold weather. Previously, the locomotive would need to be drained and stored during winter months. With the layover heater in place, the Trust now has a diesel locomotive that can operate year-round.

The heater was sourced from Hotstart, complete with an installation kit that included brackets and pipes necessary for mounting and connection. This kit reduced labor costs by eliminating the need for custom fittings during installation. McHugh Locomotive & Equipment was contracted to complete the installation, which involved mounting the heater, connecting the piping, and providing a plug-in system for operation.

Additionally, the Trust’s electrician extended 80 feet of conduit from the shop to an external location near locomotive No. 438’s tie-up area. A switch and external plug were installed, along with 100 feet of cable equipped with high-current pin connectors to power the heater. Future plans include installing a second switch and plug near the station to facilitate overnight layovers with passenger equipment. Below are photos highlighting the project.