While most here have seen a variety of builders photos over the years, at train shows and on-line, I sometimes wondered how many copies of a specific photo existed.

I picked up this L&NE photo at a flea market a few years ago and it has found a place on my office wall since they served the town where I live.

First off, I am not interested in its value. I am curious if anyone can provide any information as to how many would ALCO have provided to any of the railroads in particular the smaller class ones.

1. Did ALCO tend to provide a fixed number, say 6 or 12 and more if requested by the railroad?
2. Were they issued by request only?
3. How many would the L&NE get considering it was fairly small with one office and one shop?

Any history on how they were issued would be appreciated.

R. Hart Jr.

Photography and publications requirements are normally entered into the sales contract during the settlement of details meeting.

PC

I have collected builder's photos almost my entire life and here is what I know: The large framed builder's photos were considered the "Official" photograph that was taken with a large banquet view camera whose size varied from builder; Lima used an 8 X 20" or 7X 17", Baldwin 12 X 20 and ALCO 10 X 24" glass plate negatives. They were then contact printed, not enlarged. Some color photos were made by BLW and ALCO, none by LIMA except for 5 different color lithographs of SP Daylights and a streamlined GTW 4-8-4. In this case I have seen quite a few of the SP Daylight lithographs, the GTW is pretty rare.
These large framed photographs were given to RR Officials. I have never seen a record of how many were made, but I think your guess of between 6 to 12 is pretty close.

Kevin Kohls

I have an MLW builder's photo of a CNR U-2-e Northern. The quality/resolution of the photo is unbelievable. I made a high resolution scan, and I can zoom in and read all the pattern numbers on any casting I can see!

I also have a colour (builder's) photo of the same engine.