Wannamaker, Kempton & Southern

Kevin Gillespie · **Posted:** Sun Jul 09, 2006 2:36 pm

Does anyone remember why the WK&S sold their 2-6-2 ex-BH&S #250? I rode behind her in the late 60's on the WK&S, and much prefer tender locomotives to tank engines. A tank engine does not look right as a road engine on the head of a passenger train.

Christian S. · **Joined:** Wed Feb 02, 2005 2:13 pm **Posts:** 243

[redacted]

G. W. Laepple · **Joined:** Mon Aug 23, 2004 5:10 pm **Posts:** 1182

I believe the WK&S sold no. 250 to raise the cash necessary to continue operating in the late 1960's when the "first generation" of volunteers aged out or lost interest. It was strictly a practical decision, as the expense of operating no. 250 as compared to the saddle-tankers was excessive. Had that difficult decision not been made, it's questionable whether the WK&S would even exist today.

Kevin Gillespie · **Posted:** Sun Jul 09, 2006 7:51 pm

Thank you gentlemen. You have answered my question. That's the beauty of this forum. You get knowledgeable answers in very short order.

Alan Maples · **Posted:** Mon Jul 10, 2006 6:27 am

Kevin,

I highly recommend picking up a copy of Wally Ely's "Does This Train Go Up Hawk Mountain?", a delightful book that gives a complete history of the WK&S, including events leading up to the sale of the 2-6-2.

As for the tank engine, while it may lack a bit aesthetically, it puts on a good show and has a certain charm that fits nicely with the WK&S's country short line feel.

Alan Maples

Alan S. Levy · **Posted:** Mon Jul 10, 2006 12:38 pm

Did those folks ever get tracks laid into their enginehouse? Last I was there the building was up, but there were no tracks or switches put it.

Dave · **Posted:** Mon Jul 10, 2006 1:59 pm

Historically, side tank engines were not uncommon on commuter trains towards the end of the 19th - early 20th centuries. I don't know if saddle tank engines were as commonly used for that purpose. I think a Western example remains at Niles Canyon if I am not mistaken - it has been many years since I was there. I seem to recall one at Steamtown too. Glovers built a 2-6-2 tank engine for passenger service on the Cliffside.

Much more common in the UK.

dave

Alan Maples · **Posted:** Mon Jul 10, 2006 3:40 pm

Quote:

Did those folks ever get tracks laid into their enginehouse?

A friend forwarded an email just this morning indicating that one track is now installed in the enginehouse. A one ton jib crane has just been placed in the shop; construction of the second track was held off so the crane footer could be poured.

Alan Maples