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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