All, my father-in-law sent this article from a local paper near Rochelle, IL. I wasn't sure if the disposition of this Whitcomb centercab had been posted here. The following story is from "The Weekly Observer" Dec.18, 2003

Bringing Bessie Home, by Laura McFall

Rochelle - "It's nice for it to come home," Rochelle Mayor Chet Olson said. "The old Bessie is in pretty good shape, and we're glad to have her back." He was referring to a 50-ton locomotive made in Rochelle in 1946. The Wisconsin Southern Railroad Company recently donated it to the town at no cost, and Tom Smith, a Rochelle area resident, was instrumental in bringing the locomotive home.
"I want to commend Tom for all his time and effort," said Olson at the city council's regularly scheduled meeting on December 8th.
Marty Maggio of Maggio Trucking, Ideal Crane Rental, and members of various local unions gave free time and labor to the project, including Robert T. McKenna, Brent Rockwood, Greg Butler, Dave Jones, John Bokker, Dave Ramsey, Ron Stonebreaker, Ed Kissick, and Don Elliot, Superintendent of Streets in Rochelle.
"They made it look easy," Olson said, "and we want to thank them. They kept the cost to the very minimum for the city."
"I'd like to commend Tom Smith on this project," added commissioner Ed Kissick. "This was over Thanksgiving weekend, and his entire weekend was consumed. It was a fantastic donation from one individual. Tom really deserves a big thanks from the city of Rochelle."
While the locomotive currently is located at the city's street department facility, Olson asked council members to give thought to where it could be permanently located.


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