Two of the smallest Heislers extant stand together at the Whitewater Valley Railroad at Connersvile, Indiana. They were purchased from the Maggie Valley tourist road in North Carolina in 1974. 28 ton #3 and 18 ton #2 were originally united at the Santee Hardwood Company in Stephens, South Carolina after boomer careers on timber railroads throughout the south.
At the Whitewater valley, the two Heislers were quickly found to be inadequate for the road’s needs, and were set aside, as seen here. A year after this photo, the long-time couple would be divided when the two were put up for sale. Number 3 is still at Connersville, but may now be privately owned. The diminutive number 2 went to the Stephenson County Antique Engine Club in Freeport, Illinois.
