I was surfing the internet today and I came across a reference to Lima Locomotive Works 2-8-4 #A-1; the demonstrator built in December of 1924. This first of designer Will H. Woodward's "Superpower" steam locomotives, set the stage for the last great steam locomotives built in NorthAmerica. One of the first purchasers of "Superpower" locomotives (after the Boston & Albany's order for similar 2-8-4's and Texas & Pacific's order for "stretched" 2-10-4's, was the Illinois Central, which purchased 50 examples which it numbered 7000-7049. Eventually, the A-1 itself also was purchased by the IC, being given number 7050. The ICRR was a great steam locomotive "tinkerer" and between 1939 and 1943, it rebuilt its 2-8-4's and renumbered them 8000-8049, with the pioneer #A-1 being given the last number in the series; 8049. The engines lasted toward the end of steam on the railroad, but were all eventually retired, and scrapped. Enter locomotive collector Dick Jensen. Dick once told me that he had purchased the headlight and number plate from the 8049, and used it on the Grand Trunk Western 4-6-2 he owned and ran; #5629. We probably all know the story of the GTW Pacific by now and I am not going to rehash it here. The engine was, of course, eventually scrapped. What was missing at the end however, was the headlight. Dick had almost certainly removed it for safekeeping. The question is; whatever happened to that headlight that once rode on the very first "Superpower" steam locomotive? Does anyone know?

Les

Les,

Every photo I have of 5629 languishing shows it WITH the headlight, although by then, the numberboards for example, seem to have gone missing.

Les - the only thing I can tell you is that Dick's sister was selling a number of his railroadiana items at one of the railroad shows in St. Charles, Illinois a number of years ago. Maybe five or six, I cannot remember for sure. I had purchased some builder's plates from her, but I do not remember seeing a headlight or a Lima builder's plates. There were many others that purchased hardware before me. I would be willing to bet that someone out there has that plate and headlight. She told me that she had a lot of items at one time. Sorry that I cannot pinpoint it for you right now.

Les:
A lot of Richard's stuff was in the GTW (?) box car on the CWP&S siding he rented (where the IC tenders, York Southern No.1, etc. were.
The box car was sold (with contents) to a fellow named Latham who bought most of the stuff and moves it to Rockford.
I believe he gave Gary Bensman first pick of the box car contents in exchange for his help getting the equipment out of there.
Gary also purchased items from Rita (Dick's sister) directly out of the cottage/garage where Jensen lived.
As an aside: taking a shower at Jensen's was difficult since the builder's plate collection was stored in the bathroom...
J.David

Les,
Per a mutual friend of ours (Glenn H), the headlight was on the locomotive at the time of scrapping, and Glenn has a picture of it smashed on the ground as a result of the scrapping.

Jeff

Jeff -

Thanks. A really sad end to the story.

BTW, tell Glenn "HI!" from me. And tell him to come back and see us at HVRM some time. He might not recognize the place!

Les