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[CBQ] BLI USRA 2-8-2

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Subject: [CBQ] BLI USRA 2-8-2
From: railbass@comcast.net
Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2003 23:07:17 +0000
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Rick -
The BLI model is a USRA heavy 2-8-2, which on the Q was class O4, numbered in 
the 5500 series.  A number were converted to oil by the early 1930s, and in the 
1950s, several were leased to the C&S and FW&D.  Six were sold to the C&S in 
1957 for operations out of Denver and were renumbered 804-809, except for 5509, 
to be renumbered C&S 808, which was found to have a cracked steam dome and was 
used only for spare parts.  C&S 807, which had a Delta trailing truck, seemed 
to be a local favorite, and I believe it may have been used on a fantrip 
excursion.  I don't have my small book on C&S steam excursions available right 
now, but I know that other freight engines, including the 900 2-10-2s and 2-8-0 
638 were used in excursions in the late 1950s.  Most of the C&S 2-8-2s operated 
in freight and sugar beet service north of Denver into 1959.  

FW&D had five USRA 2-8-2s, 451-455, converted to burn oil in 1921, most of 
which operated through the late 1950s.  It appears from Hol Wagner's Colorado 
Road and Steve Goen's FW&D Color Pictorial that they worked in local freight 
service throughout Texas, and there is nothing to indicate any were in 
passenger or excursion service.

Passenger service would have been an exceptional use for these heavy 2-8-2s, 
but they operated on the C&S and FW&D until the end of steam in the late 1950s. 
 C&S operated an active railfan program until December 1962, thanks to many C&S 
officials, including "Mickey" Hansen, C&S general foreman.  I can't confirm 
that a C&S 800 2-8-2 was used in excursion service, but it was entirely 
possible at that time.

Best wishes to you in Iraq and return home safely.
- John Manion
  Denver, CO  

 

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