People who kept the railroad running: Fireman Philip Dahl
Missoula, and the Northern Pacific, still have a strong railroad community, with lots of stories to help remember the history and the people. It’s our goal to profile these people and tell their stories here. First up, fireman and engineer Philip Dahl. Then, a few great photographs from his son Mitchell Dahl, who followed in his father’s footsteps and became an engineer, and always carried a camera.
Philip Dahl was born in Wibaux in 1930. His family moved to Missoula in about 1944 when his father purchased the Penwell Building, now the Montaigne Apartments, and renamed it the Dahl Hotel. He hired out as a crew caller for the Northern Pacific in the roundhouse in 1948 or ‘9, went to work as a fireman in 1950 and was married in 1951. Shortly afterwards he was drafted and the army assigned him to the railroad division in Korea. He returned from Korea 1953 and worked as an engineer/fireman until his retirement in 1993. He passed away in 2010.
His son, Mitchell Dahl, took this photo of his father in the cab of the 1356 upon his retirement.
Philip Dahl was the fireman on the 1356 often, usually on the Bitterroot local or the Wallace local. His son Mitch says one of his favorite stories to tell was of the last working trip of the 1356 on June 15, 1954. The 1356 was being used as a helper to push the North Coast Limited up Evaro Hill. Apparently the 1365 hadn't been well maintained because it was being retired so it wasn't steaming well that trip. Normally it would have been an excellent engine to operate, but it wasn't a lot of help that day.
The 1356 leaving Missoula on her last working trip, with Philip Dahl in the cab on the fireman’s side. Museum of the Rockies RVN18597
The fireman’s job, by all accounts, was not an easy one. It required strength and endurance, and doing it well was crucial. From American Rails.com:
The fireman had to closely monitor the boiler's pressure gauge and adjust the coal feed accordingly to maintain the optimum steam pressure. This was crucial for the engine's performance and safety.
If the water level dropped below the top of the firebox (crown sheet) an explosion was eminent. To prevent this, both the fireman and engineer kept a constant eye on the water glass, a device which measured water levels inside the boiler.
While the threat of a catastrophic failure was constant, maintaining proper water levels also required the expertise of a seasoned fireman as too much hindered efficient steaming.
Steam engine firebox. The inside temperature reached somewhere around 2000 degrees.
And finally, a few great images from photographer and retired engineer Mitchell Dahl. You can visit his Flickr page for more.
Images by Mitchell Dahl, in order:
1. Northern Pacific 1356 on a sunny January day in 2019.
2. The Bitterroot Branch in infrared, in Missoula. Intrepid 4x5, Rollei IR 400 film
3. Missoula north hills Sunlight trailhead, Intrepid 4x5, fuji 90mm lens, Rollei Infrared 400 film
4. Pinhole photograph of the X's on Circle Square in Missoula. Homemade 4x5 pinhole camera, Ilford FP-4 film, orange filter.