Loreto “Jumbo” Labate waws born in Italy on August 4, 1896 and immigrated to the United States at the age of 16 arriving in Boston,Massachusetts. He made his way west spending some time in Ogden,Utah. His first railroad job was with the Southern Pacific as a section man. He arrived in Ely and got a position on the NN in 1918 as a fireman. In 1935 he passed his examination as locomotive engineer on the steam locomotives in 1935 and on diesel in 1951.

In June of 1952, locomotive #401, the railroads brand new EMD SD7 diesel locomotive purchased for general freight service, was in the wooden enginehouse at Cobre. During the night the building caught fire.

At great risk to his own life, Jumbo rushed into the burning building and managed to fire up the locomotive and get it moved out of the building right before the roof collapsed. Though suffering from mild smoke inhalation he was able to save the locomotive which had mild damage to the paint.

When steam locomotive excursions were started in September of 1956,Jumbo was selected as the regular engineer for the runs making numerous trips with locomotive #40 up and down the Steptoe Valley. On July 19, 1960, H.M. Peterson made an exception to the railroad’s rules by allowing Jumbo to remain in service despite his hearing loss,provided he wear hearing aids at all times. This exception was made on account of his “loyal and conscientious work as locomotive engineer.”

He passed away December 3, 1982 leaving behind the foundation of the steam passenger excursions that continue to this day.