Sorry to drag this out further but I’ve
been checking another roster and this shows that the “275” built in
1882 was originally numbered 604 and then renumbered to 1604 in 1898, before
becoming 275 in 1904. Its disposal was not known but it was off the roster by
1914.
That being the case, the only pre-1900 CB&Q 275 I can find would be the ex
B&MR (Iowa) built by Manchester in 1870 with construction number 236. The
CB&Q had 186 engines in June 1875 (immediately before the take over) and 305
afterwards, so this would be the first 275 on the roster. With the 18 year life
expectancy for engines, this would (in theory) date the tintype photo to before
1888.
Rupert Gamlen
Auckland NZ
Digging a bit further, I find that
there is an earlier 275, listed as having been built by Manchester for the
B&MR (doesn’t specify whether Iowa or Nebraska) in 1870 as Osceola #42 (0-4-0). It is shown as having
been sold to CB&Q in 1875 becoming #275. As 1875 is when the B&MR
(Iowa) deeded all its property and equipment to the CB&Q, this would
explain why a 5 year old loco was “sold” and how CB&Q acquired
it. I believe that the “B&MR” roster I have is for the Nebraska
company which is why there is no mention of this engine.
So, I think the 1870 Manchester engine numbered 275 could be the one in the
photo which would agree with the “ancient” appearance and yet keep
the number.
B&MR Iowa – 1857 to 1875
B&MR Nebraska – 1870 to 1880, although its equipment kept its
initials and numbers until the 1904 renumbering.
Rupert Gamlen
Auckland NZ