At Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 9/15/40:

http://abpr2.railfan.net/abprphoto.cgi? ... /msc98.jpg

The MC line into Hattiesburg is now a bike trail, although part of the MC is still used by CN. I think Paulsen Spence ended up owning a couple of Mikados from the MC, and there is one still on display in Georgetown, MS

I don't believe that the Mississippi Central 2-8-2 still in existance, is one of the ones that Paulsen Spence owned. I believe his met the torch.

The side shot of 4-4-0 #98, really shows off her simple, and beautiful, lines. Everything is in just the right context, from her centered headlight to her long and lean tender.

BTW, most Mississippi Central steamers had two bells. But a second one is not shown on the 98. Perhaps the American was exempt. Or perhaps the "two-bell rule", was instituted AFTER the September 1940 photograph.

Les

[/quote] BTW, most Mississippi Central steamers had two bells. But a second one is not shown on the 98. Perhaps the American was exempt. Or perhaps the "two-bell rule", was instituted AFTER the September 1940 photograph.

Les[/quote]

Excuse me! I spotted the other bell. It's on the pilot deck of the 4-4-0, tucked under her chin. I should have looked a little closer.

Les

Any idea why they had 2 bells?

You're right. The mikado in Georgetown, 141, is not one of the Spence engines.

Grade crossing collision. I don't remember the exact details, but I think they hit a school bus and got tied up in a lawsuit. On one of the bells, the air motor was permanently in the running position and the other was used by the enginemen as required by the rules.

Thanks Alan. Now the question is, does the 98 still have its two bells as shown in the photo?

Les

For comparison - as she appears now in Wilmington at the W&W.
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.p ... 49&nseq=20

No second bell, but surprise, the headlight has been moved from the face to the bell perch while the remaining bell has been moved back between the stack and dome.

It would be great to see her on a photocharter as she was! She looked like quite a workhorse.

/Mitch

There has been at least one charter run with 98 with two bells. Now that the W&W is running "normally" again (although with steel trestles replacing most of the wooden ones, dammit), expect to see a few more such charters. Contact the railroad or the "usual suspects" and see if you're able to get info on any future trips.

And ruined her looks, at least in my estimation. But...to each his own. Having two bells (even if one were inoperative) as she did on the Mississippi Central would certainly make her unique in rail preservation. And an interesting thing to point out to visitors.

Les