I have always been curious about the delivery of big articulates to western railroads from ALCO, Lima, and Baldwin in the east(even though Lima is further west than the other two). UP Big Boys from Alco, DRGW Challengers from Baldwin, SP AC-9 Yellowstones from Lima, the list goes on and on. Were these locomotives shipped as they were built, individually in revenue freights over eastern railroads, or was a special train consisting of an entire order of Cab Forwards, for instance, put together and sent west? I would assume the locomotives were towed dead, and not steamed up until they reached their new owner. Is this correct, or were most actually steamed up and sent on their way under their own power? What routes were taken? Were some of the eastern roads that didn't need steam power of this size avoided when shipping these locomotives due to engine weight and lighter-weight trackage? It would be very interesting to see some pictures of these shipping moves, but I've never come across them. Input of any kind is appreciated. Thanks. Seth


Wilmington & Western Railroad
sethajackson@hotmail.com