File:Baldwin 4-4-0 locomotive of 1856, said to be sister of renowned locomotive "The General" of the American Civil War.jpg

Identifier: locomotive34hart (find matches)
Title: The Locomotive journal, October 1925
Year: Built 1856
Authors: Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company
Subjects: Locomotives Steam-boiler explosions
Publisher: Hartford, Ct. : Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Co
Contributing Library: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Digitizing Sponsor: Lyrasis Members and Sloan Foundation

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p. 242 THE LOCOMOTIVE. (October, 1925.)

Ancient Locomotive Still In Service.

A VETERAN locomotive truly deserving the name is in daily operation in logging service at the saw mill of J. N. Bray & Co., Valdosta, Ga. It was built in 1856, sixty-nine years ago, and stillbears the original name plate on the front with the inscription — M. W. Baldwin, Philadelphia, 1856.The early history of this engine is apparently lost. The presentowners purchased it as a second hand locomotive about 43 years ago,
Text Appearing After Image:

Photograph by Courtesy of The Baldwin Locomotive Works.

but all records of the sale have become lost so that any previous owners are unknown. The present owners state that it has been in their possession so long that it is regarded with much the same affection as an old family horse. It has been operated by over 100 persons, including all of the women of this family. Several efforts to purchase it have therefore been unsuccessful. The cylinders on this engine are 12 inches in diameter by 22 inches stroke. The driving wheels are 54 inches in diameter. The original crank pins, rods, straps and keys are apparently still in use. The left front cylinder head has been replaced but the right cylinder is intact and the pistons are said to be the original ones placed in the engine when it was built.

The boiler is 36 inches in diameter by 15 it. 6 inches long. It is jacketed with brass, as are also the steam chests. Patches and replacements have been made around the firebox, but the crown sheet is believed to be the original one. There is no record or indication of any repairs ever having been made to the barrel.

In 1923 this locomotive was engaged for a time in hauling logs on a short main line and consequently had to pass an Interstate Commerce Commission inspection. Accordingly it was given a hydrostatic test and approved for operation at 120 lbs. pressure, and the safety valve is now set for 120 lbs.

This veteran is said to be a sister engine to the famous locomotive "General," and a comparison of pictures of the two seems to bear this out. The "General" is the Western and Atlantic Railroad Co. engine that was captured and recaptured in an unsuccessful Federal raid near Big Shanty, Georgia. The "General" is now on permanent exhibition in the Union Depot at Chattanooga, a bit of military adventure having won for it retirement, whereas old Number 2 must labor on.

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