Can anyone out there point me to an expert who might be able to visually identify the differences between a circa 1857 Breese Kneeland & Co 4-4-0 and a Rogers 4-4-0 of the same vintage? I am in the midst of putting together a detailed book on the Western North Carolina Railroad (Salisbury-Asheville-Paint Rock, which initially owned 1 Rogers loco (the Catawba), 1 Breese Kneeland (the Swannanoa), and shortly thereafter, 3 Norris' (Nantahala, Salisbury, Junaluska). Recently, I acquired a glass positive emulsion image of what is possibly the first train on the WNCRR, making the image either of the Catawba or Swannanoa, and of course, inquiring minds will want to know!!

Thanks,

Matt Bumgarner
www.tarheelpress.com

stealthnfo@aol.com

I am not sure about the year but Rogers liked a fluted sand dome cover in the old days. If it was like the original GENERAL there may have been an ankle rail, two steam domes and slanted cylinders. none of this would define a Rogers product but it may be a place to start.

Dave

irondave@bellsouth.net

Dear Matt:
One major variation between Breesee & Kneeland and most every other U.S. builder was the use of slab frames rather than bar frames.
I would suggest that you review "A History of the American Locomotive" by John H. White, John Hopkins Press (still in print) for a wealth of information, drawings and photographs of pre-1880 steam locomotives.
J.David


jdconrad@snet.net