An associate of mine that works at the Kirby Family Farm in Williston, FL asked if I could help do some research on the history of their most recent addition. The group was recently gifted a 1910 H.K. Porter build known as "Beatrice" which formerly operated at Opryland back when it was still a themepark.

So far we've put together that the engine was built in September 1910 and was build number #4643.

What my associate is looking to confirm is the following:

1. Was the engine originally built as an 0-4-4T or did it come out of the factory a 2-4-4T?

2. Who was the engine originally built for/sold to? Our information states that in working life the engine operated at "Enterprise Plantation" somewhere in Louisiana.

3. When did the engine come into the hands of Opryland's operating company?

4. Exactly when was the engine converted from a tank engine into a tender engine and repowered to become a diesel hydraulic outline engine?

5. What company was hired to complete the engines conversion from steam to a diesel hydraulic?

Per the Bob Lemuth list...

Porter c/n 4643, 9/1910, 36" gauge, 10x14
For MA Patoutt, Patoutville, LA
to St Johns No 3
to Suttons Salvage Co, New Iberia, LA
to Private owner, Eldon MO
to Keystone Light Ry,
to Opryland USA, Memphis TN

Randy

I think this is a good start. Google is your friend.

http://www.thrillhunter.com/Railroad.html

It was built as an 0-4-4-T.

Folks,
The two volume Steam Locomotive Directory of North America by J.David Conrad has an index of builders numbers. if you know that, then you know just about anything you want to know about a steam locomotive large or small.

I am sorry to hear it was converted to steam outline with Diesel power.

Ted Miles, Narrow Gauge fan