Two of the PLA's first trips set the stage for the organization's early activities. The first of these was a May 1961 visit to the Howard Terminal Railway, and featured their last steam locomotive, No. 6. Shortly afterward, this steam engine was officially retired. Three members purchased this engine for $250 from Peter and Harmon Howard, on the condition that 'the engine never be scrapped'. Thus No. 6 became the first artifact of railroad history to be preserved by the PLA. The bell of the locomotive was not part of the sale but was kept by Peter Howard for a number of years. He then gave it to the PLA gratis.