NYC November 1941 "James Whitcomb Riley"

November 3, 1941 in Indianapolis IN
K5b - 4-6-2 Pacific 4917 on the "James Whitcomb Riley"
Gary Overfield Collection

 

Interesting shell design, similar to Electro shown at the 1939 New York World's Fair.

I think the Empire State's shell is prettier...no, BEAUTIFUL.

 

I now realize I should explain that I was referring to the simplistic Art-Deco designs of the 1930's, when Plain was the "In" thing. Personally, I think both JWR and Electro are just uninteresting art. But that's me.

I imagine the JWR was a real headache for maintenance.

 

Thanks for that, Roger. I am wondering if Carl Kantola designed that, as it is so similar to the Commodore Vanderbilt streamlining on Hudson 5344.

 

Could be, or Loewy, or... , I really like Art Deco design, but Hytec is right to point out the maintenance issues. Bobby

 

The design of the locomotive (originally for the Mercury train) is attributed to Henry Dreyfuss.
This was his first attempt at streamlining.
I am not partial to the "cover everything up" school of streamlining, but I have to say this black and white photo doesn't do justice.
You can read my complete description of the JWR on Roger's web site.
The locomotive was a lustrous gray (perhaps an early attempt at a metallic paint).
The drivers were orange and white!
The tender had a wide orange stripe which blended with the orange window band on the cars.
Mike Kmetz

 

Mike, thanks for pointing us to the JWR locomotive color photos. Her color scheme was actually quite pretty, adding personality to the design.

 

Hank, that's a nice picture of the JWR locomotive model - quite accurate, too.
Bob Webber's color photo of the actual locomotive can be seen on Terry Link's Canada Southern web site.
I don't think he wants direct links to his web site here.
Look for "other stuff" then James Whitcomb Riley.

 

There were two of these streamlined K-5b Pacifics - 4915 and 4917.
Originally streamlined for the Mercury, they were adapted for the Riley's inaugural runs in April 1941.
In January 1947 the Pacifics were replaced by J-1e Hudsons and the streamlining removed from the Pacifics.