I know of some operational Porter and Vulcan steam locomotives, and although there are many surviving steam locos built by Davenport, I know of none that are operable. Any out there?

Brian Smith

There is an adorable little 3ft gauge Davenport Forney out in California. The thread was something like: "How NOT to Operate a Steam Locomotive".

The locomotive to which you are referring is this little one:
https://www.steamlocomotive.info/vlocomotive.cfm?Display=554

The easiest and fastest way to answer your question in this case is to use http://www.steamlocomotive.com and use their "Advanced Search" page, and look by builder:
https://www.steamlocomotive.com/survivors/search.php?number=&class=&whyte=&gauge=&place=&city=&state=&country=&railroad=&builder=davenport&buildNumber=&buildDate=

There are apparently several in operation. Don't forget about Cedar Point, they have an operating one!

YouTube.

I believe the Cedar Point Davenport (Albert, No. 3) has been placed on display, and is out of service. Not sure of the reason. It was the sweetest engine to run, in those days. But it has been half-a-century since I worked there, but only 8 or 10 years since I visited there. It's a long drive from Baltimore.

GFP

Kelly -

That 60cm (2') gauge 2-6-2T that was built for World War 1 trench railway service, but never made it over to Europe, is one heck of a locomotive. Sharp exhaust and great looks, she is a terrific example of Davenport's expertise. Hope the owners have not had their property (and rail line), damaged from the recent bad weather in California.

Les

Or you could go to steamlocomotive.info, click on Search, select Davenport Locomotive Works, and Operational and get exactly what you're looking for. If you don't want worldwide results you could also specify United States in your query.

Thanks Doug. It seems that there are only a handful of operating steam powered Davenports worldwide, and only one that is standard gauge, an 0-4-0T located in Nebraska and reported nonoperating as of 2022.

Brian Smith
Volunteer, SouCalRR Museum