Hi all,

I have a Baldwin Builder's Plate with #53504, dated August 1920. There is a number on back 1248, 14 E. 1137 (hard to read on the back) The 1 and 4 are actually not in line sort of misstamped. I think this is bronze. Magnet does not adhere to it. It is heavy. There is a little patina discoloration. One "E" is squished looking. It is also a curved circle, measures 9 1/2" diameter. I tried to research it. The woman who owns it says it comes from Texas State Locomotive maybe. That is a Mikado type locomotive which I think this came from. I was also trying to figure out if it was a reproduction. Doesn't seem to be, but I can't be sure. Any information would be great! Thank you so much! Lisa

Can you please post a picture of the Plate. Its hard to tell without a photograph or two.

Steven H.

This page on the Internet from SteamLocomotive.com probably has the answer:

http://www.steamlocomotive.com/mikado/?page=atsf

Assuming this information and the source from which it was drawn is accurate (I have no reason to disbelieve it, and it passes a spot check with books on my shelf), your plate is off an Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe coal-burning "3160 class" 2-8-2, presumably the third-to-last built. It's possible, maybe even likely (although not guaranteed by any stretch) that the loco was Santa Fe #3255.

Here is a photo of a different locomotive in that same class, #3232:
http://abpr.railfan.net/abprphoto.cgi?/ ... o_3232.jpg

Here's a photo of 3255 herself from the Otto Perry Collection at the Denver Public Library, showing it at Albuquerque, NM on April 7, 1940, possibly already missing the builder's plate on the engineer's side (well, it looks like it could be missing from the smokebox side, anyway, or else it's the dirtiest, most paint-covered plate I've ever seen on an in-service loco!): http://digital.denverlibrary.org/cdm4/i ... X=1&REC=15

Another shot of 3255 on a train in Missouri in June 1946: http://digital.denverlibrary.org/cdm4/i ... X=1&REC=16

Now, recognize once again that we have pretty well confirmed that it's an ATSF heavy 2-8-2, but we have not yet conclusively confirmed it was 3255.

Thanks for the info! Here is a link to some pictures:

http://www.hodgepodgestuff.com/MISC/BP.htm


Thanks again!
Lisa

Also, you say the train may be 3255, but on that link you gave me, steelocomotive.com, it says that the trains with 3258-3287 were made in 1920 which the builder plate I have is dated. Just confirming. Thanks!

Okay, so I'm getting cross-eyed from staring at too mant numbers.

Let's try the third-to-last 2-8-2 of 1920, which MAY have been 3285..........

LOL Ok, I didn't read the paperwork the lady included with it and I read that Ron Muldowney claims it is the #3280. I see he has an article on Railroadiana.org.... He seems to be an aficionado.... Oops. Guess I should have read instead of inquiring... Thanks for the info though. Interesting information. I love researching new things. :) Thanks, Lisa

Since my name has been used here, I will verify that this plate is original and it is from AT&SF 2-8-2 #3280 according to Iron Horses of the Santa Fe Trail by Worley. The locomotive was scrapped 4-21-53. I have been collecting original plates since 1963 and have been selling extras since 1968. I maintain an extensive library so that I can research builder's and serial numbers. This has become more important as ebay has brought out many reproductions to the market. There sometimes are errors in some rosters so I try to have another source to back it up.