In 1939 she (the #5344) had her "Commodore Vanderbilt" streamlining removed and replaced with the newer Dreyfuss styling used on the 20th Century Limited locomotives. She was then placed in service on the Chicago-Detroit Mercury. I don't know how long she stayed in that service or when she was finally decommissioned. Regards Ed
A quick search turned up this on www.steamlocomotive.com (where else?): During July, 1939, this locomotive was re- shrouded to look like the 20th Century J3s. After an October, 1945 grade crossing accident with a sand truck in East Chicago, all the streamlining was removed. Although it doesn't say the final date of service for the locomotive itself. Interestingly enough, 1945 also seems to be the end date for 20th Century Limited loco streamlining also: Ten of the J3 Hudsons (5445-5454) were built streamlined (in 1938). ......... Shrouding over the main air reservoirs was removed in 1941. All streamlining was removed from these locomotives in 1945. But it looks like streamlining on the Hudsons for the Empire State Express (similar to the 20th Century Limited styling) lasted a couple of years more: On December 7, 1941, two of the J3A Hudsons (5426 & 5429) were streamlined with a stainless steel cowling to match the Empire State Express train. This cowling was removed in 1949 & 1950. Regards Ed
Ed, I hadn't been following this thread since it's in the modeling forums, so missed the discussion on the prototypes. Man, you really know your New York Central history! I never liked the "inverted bathtub" streamlining on the 5344. Similar shrouding was installed on a Mohawk for the Rexall Train. 5344 was the Central's test locomotive for a lot of things. She looked much better in the Dreyfus streamline scheme. She was the last J-1 built, and had roller bearings on axles all around, except for the trailing truck. Later on she also received roller bearing side rods. Her Dreyfus streamlining was just a little different from that of the J-3's, having a 'step up' on the running boards. How I miss them. :sad:
I'd love to take the credit, but I owe it all to my copy of the Classic Trains special edition "Steam Glory 2" (still available at your LHS). Regards Ed
