The brief for IC 201 says that "IC 201 is believed to be the only surviving 19th Century mainline suburban locomotive." If I remember correctly, the CSRM just received a locomotive from the Pacific Locomotive Assoc. that was originally a 2-4-2T used by the CP and later SP in commuter service. I am in school right now so I am away from my notes, but I will check on this as best I can as Im sure some of my information is inaccurate. Does anyone know which locomotive I am talking about and its current condition? Photos would be awesome!

benquirkc@yahoo.com

Kevin,

You are correct the SP 1912 is a 2-6-2T built in the Sacramento Shops in 188?, one of two surviving engines built there.She powered steam trains in Oakland before the electrics started in 1911.

She was displayed in Oakland's Civic Center Park for many years. But, now she is in a lot of parts
which are in storage at the Niles Canyon Railway. I was by there a month or so ago and the main part of the engine was still there. I guess the State museum is in no hurry to pick her up. Sorry I don't have any pictures.

Ted

ted_miles@NPS.gov

Im not certain, but I believe this engine would meet that "suburban mainline 19th century" criteria. Preserved at the Chicago Historical Society. She was the first to operate out of the city of Chicago, and went to the suburbs, like Oak Park, and apparently eventually as far as Carey (about 55 miles from Chicago).

The hyperlink below the photo has a history of the engine, and this link:
http://www.barringtonarealibrary.org/Lo ... /part2.htm
...takes you to a history of early railroading in Illinois northern suburbs, with mention of the Pioneer, at bottom third or so of page.


C&NW's Pioneer

bilburns1313@ameritech.net

> Im not certain, but I believe this engine
> would meet that "suburban mainline 19th
> century" criteria. Preserved at the
> Chicago Historical Society. She was the
> first to operate out of the city of Chicago,
> and went to the suburbs, like Oak Park, and
> apparently eventually as far as Carey (about
> 55 miles from Chicago).

> The hyperlink below the photo has a history
> of the engine, and this link:
>
> http://www.barringtonarealibrary.org/Lo ... /part2.htm
> ...takes you to a history of early
> railroading in Illinois northern suburbs,
> with mention of the Pioneer, at bottom third
> or so of page.

No, I wouldn't consider the Pioneer a true "suburban" locomotive, any more than I would any other locomotive that happened to run through the suburbs. The Pioneer was intended for mainline use on the first line west out of Chicago. By "suburban" locomotive, I mean a locomotive designed and intended for operation equally-well in either direction, with dual pilots, headlights, etc.


Kevinmccabe@avenew.com

Have you noticed in the pic of the Pioneer how the right of way is devoid of weeds. No living weeds, no dead weeds, nada! How did the railroads kep their right of ways clear of weeds, while nowadays there are weeds everywhere.

The Tod Engine
todengine@woh.rr.com