One of the very interesting times in 98's history is her time at the Louisiana Eastern RR and her ownership by Paulsen Spence. I have done a ton of research on 98 and have uncovered a lot of great information but also have unanswered questions. Maybe someone out there might be able to help.

1. 98's firebox was partitioned by Spence in an effort to save coal. A firebrick wall was built from left to right and the front section of grates were blanked off. Does anyone know if Spence did this to other locomotives in his collection?

2. He put 98 for sale in 1959 through Birmingham Rail and Locomotive. I would like to find a copy of the ad. I don't know where it would have been published.

3. Spence renumbered nearly all of his engines. 98 never was renumbered. I'm guessing he liked the number.

4. Are any movies of 98 or non roster shots in service at Louisiana Eastern known to exist?

Thanks,

Tom -

Interesting info about Paulsen Spence putting number 98 up for sale. I had always thought that the 4-4-0, and the other three steamers that survived his untimely death, were sold AFTER his passing. Was the 98 actually sold before that fateful day, or was the deal already in the works when he suddenly died? His plan, as I understand it, was to build a bypass around New Orleans using his "steam fleet" as motive power. Peculiar that he would be selling one of those engines while he was still in negotiations, although I certainly understand that the 98 would not have been an engine that would have been good freight train power. Makes me wonder if he advertised other of his steamers for sale too?

Les

98 was the first of Spence's engines sold with preservation in mind. In the 50's he sold a couple others for scrap and at least one to a neighboring gravel railroad.

She was for sale in 1959 and sold in February of 1960. I've dug up a lot of information about Spence and 98 that will be out in my book.

98 and Red River Valley 104 were sold before his death and the other two were sold after.