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R.J. Smith, Railroad Contractor
https://rypn.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=5960
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Author:  Ron Goldfeder [ Sun Jun 01, 2003 4:57 pm ]
Post subject:  R.J. Smith, Railroad Contractor

Can anyone shed light on the origin of a locomotive in a photo postcard just recieved that shows a 4-6-0 lettered this way? The loco is #101 and using a magnifier it is an ALCO, but the construction number and plant are unreadable. The loco has piston valves, and there is a medalion on the steam chest that reads "I-82," "I82," or maybe "J82," which might be a class number. Driver diameter, based on the height of people next to it, is about 55" or 60." The valve gear is outside and may be walchaerts. Steam admission and exhaust are through the cylinder saddle. The cab is wood with an arched main window. The stack is straight and there is no generator, so the box headlight on a bracket on the top of the smokebox door is an oil burner. A prominent steam pipe comes off the steam dome and runs down the boiler to the running board and then to the front. This suggests providing steam to another machine. No location is suggested by the background and the card was never used so no date either, although ALCO makes it after 1901. Any suggestions would be welcome.

Museum of Transportation
rdgoldfede@aol.com

Author:  Ron Goldfeder [ Mon Jun 02, 2003 12:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: R.J. Smith, Railroad Contractor

Looking at some references I found that Alco built a 2-8-0 for this firm that is listed in the Historic Alco Photo catalog. Taber also lists sources for the firm's loco photos. If anyone has access to an Alco builders list could they please see if a 4-6-0 was built for the contractor as well and let me know.

rdgoldfede@aol.com

Author:  Jim Butler [ Mon Jun 02, 2003 2:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: R.J. Smith, Railroad Contractor

Say Ron, can you scan the post card? As for the headlight, early electric headlights had a small dynamo incorporated in them. This allowed an electric headlight with only the addition of a steam line to the front of the smokebox. These were used on locomotives that had been built before the use of electricity had become common.

Jim1522@aol.com

Author:  Ron Goldfeder [ Wed Jun 04, 2003 10:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: R.J. Smith, Railroad Contractor *PIC*

Here is the image. Several others have taken a look since I posted this note and have suggested the drivers may be more like 63." Also the cylinders may have been a rebuild from D valves. Any comments of info would be appreciated.

Museum of Transportation
Image
rdgoldfede@aol.com

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