I was browsing through the Otto Perry photo archives at the Denver
Public Library site and found 3 photos of two pacifics that had their
headlights mounted on top of the smokebox instead of the normal Q
position high on the smokebox face. I had never seen this headlight
arrangement before on a Q pacific although I have been a Q fan since I
was a small boy many years ago. The photos are dated 1935 and 1937 and
the locomotives are #2849 (DPL #OP-4183 & OP-4184) and #2857 (DPL
#OP-4188). There is also a photo of #2857 in 1929 with the headlight in
the standard position.
The top of smokebox position is reminiscent of some of the large 2-8-0s
assigned to Lines West. I have several questions. 1. Does anyone know
why the position was changed? 2. What shop changed the position? 3. How
long did they remain in that position? 4. Were any other 4-6-2s so
equipped? 5. Were any other locomotives, such as 2-8-2s so equipped?
It would certainly be interesting to model a locomotive with this
arrangement, although I don't think it is very attractive (were Q
pacifics attractive in any form?). If I had seen this before, I would
have said it was incorrect. Thankfully, we have Mr. Perry's extensive
record.
Bill Barber
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