January 28, 2015
Hol and Group - I can contribute two images, both inserted and
attached, of unusual Prairies from my digital collection. The first shows
Class R-5 No. 2118 at Mendota, IL, in an undated view. What's unusual is the
C&NW style cab signal box mounted on the pilot deck. This R-5 and another
sister were so equipped for the Mendota to Sterling, IL, run that included
running over the cab signaled C&NW mainline into Sterling. No.
2118 was constructed by Brooks in 1906. The locomotive enjoyed a long service
life not being sold for scrap until August 1951:
The second image is unusual in that it shows the very last R Class
locomotive under steam. Whereas most of us "old head" Q rail fans are familiar
with the two Class O-1-A locomotives Nos. 4943 and 4963 that the Q leased to the
Bevier & Southern RR, not as well known is that they were preceded by Class
R-4-A No. 1987. The dirty locomotive, constructed by Brooks in February
1905, is shown at Bevier, MO, on May 8, 1954. When No. 1987 eventually came
due for heavy repairs, the B&S returned her to the Q and she was retired in
April 1955:
Somewhere I have seen an image of what I recall was an R Class engine with
four single stage air compressors all lined-up in a row on the fireman's side. A
real odd ball R Class engine if there ever was one. I do not have that
particular image in my digital collection, but if any one else in the Group
does, please share it with us. The R Class was a very successful
design for a small-to-medium size locomotive and a good number
survived right up until dieselization of the secondary yards and branch lines
they called home. No R Class locomotives were preserved. I think the Q rostered
more R Class locomotives than any other Class. Am I correct? Best Regards -
Louis
Louis Zadnichek II
Fairhope, AL
