Elk River Mill & Lumber Co. 1 Falk

Elk River Mill & Lumber Co. 1 Falk
Type and origin Power type Steam Builder Marshutz and Centrell Build date 1884 Total produced 1
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 0-4-0 Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) Driver dia. 33 in (0.838 m) Adhesive weight 33 drivers Loco weight 240,000 lbs Fuel type Wood Cylinders Two, outside Cylinder size 9 in × 12 in (230 mm × 300 mm)
Career Official name Falk Retired 1927 Disposition Operational

Elk River Mill & Lumber Co. "Falk" No.1 is a 0-4-0 steam locomotive built by Marshutz and Centrell in 1884. This "gypsy" type locomotive was purchased by Noah Falk in San Francisco and shipped by vessel to Arcata, CA. It was first used at the Dolly Varden Mill in north Arcata until the mill was closed in 1885. In 1886, it was moved to Falk, California, for use on the Elk River Mill & Lumber Co. railroad. Logs were hauled from the woods to the mill. When the railroad was extended five miles up a narrow, winding canyon, a larger locomotive was purchased in 1903. The Falk was relegated to switching duties at the mill. In 1927 it was retired. The locomotive was given to the city of Eureka, California, for use in a 1936 Fourth of July parade operating on streetcar tracks.

Falk 1 (SteamExpo 86)

In May 1986, the engine participated at SteamExpo 86 in Vancouver, British Columbia. The engine participated at Railfair 1999. As of 2024, The Falk is still operational.