Hi,

I recently purchased a slide of Wabash 2-6-0 number 576. The slide is labeled "Decatur, IL 1973." I don't think this is correct because a book I have on Wabash steam says the 576 was scrapped before 1960 and 573 is the only survivor. Was the 573 temporarily numbered 576 for historical purposes at one point, and has it ever left the museum in St. Louis after being donated?

Thomas

Can you show us the slide?

Here you go. I just noticed the plaque on the side of it which makes me think that it's 573 in disguise.

TD

A simpler explanation is that the slide is mis-dated, or that you are trying to read bad handwriting. I don't think 573 left NMOT after it arrived, and if it did, why renumber it?

Here's a photo of Wabash No. 573 (the last steam locomotive to operate for the Wabash) undergoing cosmetic restoration at the St Louis Museum of Transportation back in July of 2014:

The restoration has since been completed and the locomotive is on display outdoors, under the canopy:

http://www.steamlocomotive.info/vlocomo ... isplay=725

/Mitch

Interesting to learn such an ancient locomotive was the final steamer to run on the Wabash. Does she have a tender?

Yep, she does, and here is how she looked back in May, 2017, when she and NYC 4-8-2 2933 were unveiled after their cosmetic restorations. (St Louis Chapter, NRHS‎)

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/ ... e=5ADCF667

(Heritage Rail Alliance) (Gee whiz, how did that image come out so large?)



(Railside Adventures)



While we're in St. Louis, some material on the 2933:

https://nycshs.org/2017/05/22/nyc-mohaw ... unveiling/

Have fun!

Why did those ancient 2-6-0s hang on so long?

Well, this photo with its caption, from the files of Trains, says why.





The Wabash "cured" the restricted bridge by abandoning it and severing the branch into two sections, thus allowing the retirement of the last two active steamers on its roster.

Love when that ball of yarn gets unraveled - cool thread, great follow up images, thanks!

Wonder what's next at the St Louis MOT?

/Mitch

The new current project is the 1870's B&O Camel. Lots of woodwork has been required thus far, as the tender frame was/is wooden, as well as the cab and many other compenents.

WOW!! I know some B&O fans who will be VERY happy to hear of this!!

And a way to look at that picture where you can see the whole thing at once.

http://www.atrrm.org/blog/wp-content/up ... -2-6-0.jpg

Two other preservation nuggets in that ball of yarn has to do with that power plant in the background of the Phil Hastings photo. Working at that Power Plant is New York Central 0-6-0 #6721 and a Porter saddle tanker, both of which were donated to Mid-Continent Railway Museum. The Porter was later sold to the Crab Orchard & Egyptian, but now resides in Jackson, Mo.
The #6721 was sold to National Cash Register's Carillon Park in Dayton, Ohio in 1980, but now sits badly damaged by a run-away hopper at the Utica New York Amtrak station.

I was recently driving near Utica and thought about that very damaged engine. I wish I had time to stop and go see it. I am sorry to hear that it is still damaged.

The pieces have been gathered, but the damage to the locomotive and the tender frame, draw bar, pilot, etc., make her look really sad. This wreck never should have happened, and the kid(s) who started the whole series of events in motion, should have been held accountable. My understanding about the delay in getting her into a shop is how much the insurer is willing to shell out for what kind of restoration.