On this historic day when a Texan was inaugurated as our next president, I was wondering how much information is out there on "Texan" class steam locomotives? Do any of you have any photos of Texan (or Texas) class steamers to post? I would love to see them ------------------ http://www.pioneer.net/~fitzrr/ Member No. 508
I have a VCR of the Texas Type 2-10-4 and the only remaining entact running one left is owned by the State, #610. It is in storage. It was run in under its own steam, but now they are trying to raise money to restore it(So it can run again?). You can not see it, and you can not get photos. The only ones I know of right now are in books. ------------------ Watash #982 "See you in the Pit"
Actually, the T&P 610 is pulled out about once on a monthly basis by the friendly folks at the Texas State Railroad in Palestine, TX, so I think I will use her as my Texas example. I took this shot May of last year! The TSRR keeps her in very good shape. As for restoration, I think there was an outfit out of California that was going to try and restore and run it a few years ago, but that project never got underway. Other than that, I've never heard of any current restoration efforts to run the 610. She really is a giant. Regards, Stuart B. Dallas, TX
Will they let you get into the cab now Stuart? I got to ride the cab from Abilene to Big, Spring, then back on another one about '46 or '47. That was one huge machine, and a real thrill for a kid of 16. Thanks for the photo. ------------------ Watash #982 "See you in the Pit"
Stuart, great shot of the 610. I was once a member of "Friends of Steam" in CA that announced they were bringing the 610 to the Antelope Valley to run steam excursions. I think the guy in charge must have popped his safeties (what pressure on the 610, Watash?) as nothing ever happened and obviously the 610 is still at the TSRRM. I have a Vollrath photo of her, actually more than one, if anyone is interested. ------------------ http://www.pioneer.net/~fitzrr/ Member No. 508
Fitz, it would probably be a better idea to address your question to Gregg, he is the authority and consultant on railroads, I am not an authority. Strictly from memory, I think it was possibly around 275 to 300 PSI, but check with Gregg for sure. They were a thrill to ride in, sort of like a roller-coaster! ------------------ Watash #982 "See you in the Pit"
According to steamlocomotive.com, here are some of the specs on these Lima giants. There were five classes of Lima texas types built for the T&P, classes I1-I1d. The 610 is a Class I1a, built in 1927. I heard somewhere the 610 is now considered a mechanical engineering landmark, but without being able to remember where I read that, don't quote me for sure on it. The T&P 610 has 255 p.s.i boiler pressure, 63.5 inch drivers, 100 sq. ft. grate area, and a tractive effort of 83,000 pounds! Weighing in at 224 tons, it's not quite as large as a late-era Northern (for example, C&O 614, 434 tons) but it's certainly no baby. Take it from someone who has seen her in person. I have yet to find any pictures of the 610 wearing her Freedom Train paint scheme from 1976, but I am still looking and asking around. This was the first live steam engine I ever saw at age 3 when it came through Dallas, and the only running big steamer I've ever seen up close. Like I said, it's kept indoors and very well-preserved by the Texas State Railroad. It can't be run on their line just because it's too darned big. Plus, it's got some work coming to it if it were ever to be fired up again. Maybe someday...... And while I'm in the mood to dream, what a sight it would be to see the T&P 610 and Southern Pacific 982 2-10-2 with 610 on the point pulling a passenger excursion through Texas! Stuart B. Dallas, TX
Stuart, ask and you shall receive. I dug out my old T&P files, all from the Harold K. Vollrath collection. This one taken in Dallas in March 1976. Watash, don't let Gregg bother you. WE know who knows what around don't we? Speaking of New York Central in your go-around with Greg, man, you gotta dig out those old photo boxes! I am. ------------------ http://www.pioneer.net/~fitzrr/ Member No. 508
