check this link

http://www.yesteryeardepot.com/LE02.JPG

Engine that is still at Stone Mountain, SP 260, LE #2

Last I heard, TVRM was planning to do a full evaluation on ex-C of G No. 349 (Baldwin, 1891) for consideration of return to service. Since I no longer live in Chattanooga, I can't say if that's still the plan.

I should note that that discussion began several years ago. If that is still the case, I don't know that we would be interested in taking on another project locomotive-630 is still being rebuilt and the 5288 and 349 are likely the next steam locomotives in line for work.

That LE #2 is a really pretty engine; the tender is well-proportioned (not too low) and the piston valve cylinders give the front end plenty of "mass". Looks very similar in size to the 1927 C&IM engines.

Would someone please enlighten this Yankee as to the purpose of the "sawtooth" thingy on the back of the stack?

Down heah in the South, them "sawtooth thingies" serve the same function on a locomotive as brass eagles and candlesticks. Y'all Yankees never did get the hang of spiffin' up your locomotives.............

Unreconstructedly Yours,

A-yuh. But at Stone Mountain they sure knew how to spoof 'em up.
You live in a cold climate, you get to know reality!

[quote="Richard Glueck"]A-yuh. But at Stone Mountain they sure knew how to spoof 'em up.

No argument there

From one Yankee to another; the decoration to the stack is called a Rooster Comb. The S&A 750 had one, made of brass as I recall.


Robert Yuill

I think that in keeping the locomotive in a close approximation to its Stone Mountain appearance would be most tactful for the time being. It is a great gift and I am sure that the Stone Mountain Memorial Association would be appreciative of it keeping its scenic railroad look for at least a while.

In fact, I rather look at the locomotive as the preserving of some of our SCENIC railroad history. Look at how many of those have, over the years, faded away.

By the way, we removed the fake stack back in the 90s to film a movie and somewhere I have the photos I took of it then.
It was my favorite of the Stone Mountain locomotives. I was the last to run it under steam in 1986. It was a sweet locomotive to run!

The other 4-4-0 is San Antonio & Aransas Pass #60. Probably one of the last small steamers running on the SP in the 1950s.

It was bought from Mr. Spence in late 1961 or early 1962 and joined the Red River & Gulf engine at Stone Mountain shortly thereafter where it was named "Texas II".

I did not run the Texas much as it went down with running gear issues in late 1983 or early 1984.

But as one who worked on the locomotives under steam and afterward, here is the bad news about the Texas II.
While its running gear is in better shape now, having been fixed up for being shoved by the diesels, its boiler is a disaster.
In the early 1980s, after the Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad sold out to the State authority operating the park, some less than savory boiler surgery was performed on the boiler.
The SA&AP loco had a good many flexible staybolts. Well, the mindset was to weld in some rigid rod in place of many of those flexible bolts.

Its operability would require some rather hefty boiler work if not a complete replacement.

It sets forlorn in a stub end track with weeds growing about it....

I hope that answers the question.

Dave,
The locomotive with the flexible staybolt issues is the other 4-4-0, SA&AP #60.

The "General II" (RR&G 104) that we are getting is all rigid stayed.
That is one of the main reasons we specifically asked for donation of that particular locomotive....
And, to be mildly selfish, it was always my favorite.

As for other boiler related things, we replaced the superheaters in 1985, less than a year before Stone Mountain made us drop the fire.

Hey Kevin, great to hear from you after all these years. Pleased to know I was mistaken about whixch boiler was butchered.

Can we expect excursions behind a 4-4-0 up the hook and eye in the future?

dave

It is with great pleasure that I announce that the fine staff of the Southeastern Ry Museum, led by Dale Grice, has moved the 4-4-0 at Stone Mountain to its new home at the Southeastern Railway Museum.

One locomotive saved from the purgatory of steam........

Which one?

This one?



Or this one?

The Red River & Gulf 4-4-0.
We knew it as the "Generall II" at Stone Mountain.
That would be your top photo.

The former SA&AP/TNO/SP 4-4-0 is still at the park.

Great news, Kevin. Nice work. Fine locomotive.

I'm in Texas moving a locomotive now, but will definitely drink a toast to your success with some good BBQ tonight.

If SAM Shortline could run at 40 MPH...........

dave