The Class G-43 2-8-0s were built by Brooks Locomotive Co., Dunkirk, NY in 1902-1903. They weighed 280,00 pounds and had a tonnage rating of 1,400 tons on Cassadaga hill. They were kept in service on the Valley Branch three years beyond Dieselization due to weight restrictions on some of the bridges, finally being retired in 1949, when a couple bridges were strengthened. The 1102 was held over one more year to handle some officials on an inspection tour, and then to handle the Vision Test car, because it was steam heat-equipped for passenger cars. James Peters Collection
A classic locomotive, even more surprising that it still was fully operational after nearly 50 years. I wonder how many, if any back-shop machinists were familiar with, let alone qualified on maintaining Stephenson valve mechanisms. Thanks, Roger, for a great photo.
The original "Four Aces.." Nice looking engine, especially considering how long she was in service. Thanks, Roger.
Locos like this probably survived as long as they did due to WW2. Everything that was operable or could be made operable was put to use for the war effort. This veteran probably found herself pulling scheduled freights rather than working the "peddler" jobs she's best suited for because of that conflict. The "Four Aces" is a trim lady, but she undoubtedly got untold amounts of tonnage where it needed to be. Charlie
