Roger, researching these early locomotives is tricky - lots of inconsistent and missing information. Here is what I can tell you about the loco in your photo: This is definitely a Brooks-built locomotive, probably class F-61 or F-64, later renumbered into the 6300-series. A batch of thirty-two were built (1889-1891) by Brooks which had 19” x 24” cylinders, 63” drivers and weighed about 128,000 pounds. They were typical 1891 machines with Big Four gray boiler jackets and rear drivers set back under the cabs. They were probably rough-riding. Notice the fenders over the drivers. This locomotive pictured has the traditional Big Four flare-top stack. The shiny boiler sheathing looks like Russia iron. Cab lettering CCC & St.L pegs the photo to 1890-1900. The steam dome has _26, but the first of three digits cannot be seen. The number on the side of the headlight is also not readable. Here are some interesting comments about the stack: The Big Four favored this traditional flare-top stack. Flare-top stacks were not always used on freight locomotives, however. Whether or not the flare stack was functional or ornamental is still debatable. The stacks were usually painted red, and old-timers recall that the lower part of the flare stayed red. Scouring my references turned up some other previously unknown (to me) items of interest. I will post more about these in separate threads: Paper wheels Russia iron Mike
Mike, you are a wealth of information. I can only assume you own an immensely extensive library of New York Central System history and trivia. Either that, or you have perfected time-travel. :wideeyes:
