Louis,
In response to your question in the last paragraph of your post below, I think you are correct that the R class on the Q was their largest class of locomotives. If I have tallied them correctly, they purchased 436 R class locomotives. They numbered from 1700 to 2224, but not inclusive. They were purchased between 1900 and 1907, so whether they owned that many all at one time, I don't know. I am sure that wrecks may have taken a few out. They were classed R-1 to R-5A. The next closest class in quantity were the mikados which were a close second with 383 in five classes, O-1, O-1A, O-2, O-3 and 0-4.
Bill Barber Gravois Mills, MO Wed Jan 28, 2015 9:22 am (PST) . Posted by: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
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Posted by: William Barber <clipperw@gmail.com>
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