All-
I still maintain that the locomotive in the photo, regardless of there being a number on it or not, is a MUCH older machine than the 1860s and certainly the 1870s. An 0-4-0 built in 1870 certainly would not have been rebuilt into a 4-4-0 and I believe that the method of decoration, the cab, the steam dome, the rough hewn ties all point to a much earlier photo than 1870.
Take a look at machines being built during the Civil War (the Lt. General Haupt comes to mind, named after the railroad genius responsible for the Union’s effective use of the railroads) it is typical of the machines being built in the early 1860s. Yes, there were older locomotives around at the time but they looked it….the original configuration of the General….but even it was more advanced than the rig in the photo. I’d say it falls in the early 1850s.
I haven’t been able to come up with a photo of the Eustis Corning built by Schenectady in 1852 but based on the CB&Q description of it having very inclined outside cylinders it seems to fit the photo the best. The rounded front cab corners also points to an earlier machine.
I am going to be at the Newberry in between the Railroad Prototype Modeler Meet next week and the BRHS Fall Meet in La Crosse the following week so may be able to come up with something from the Master Mechanic records there.
I will also be looking into the C&NW Pioneer and the other 4-2-0 on the early roster the Pigeon which was probably very similar with a vertical firebox. I don’t believe the Pioneer was ever owned by the CB&Q but perhaps the Master Mechanic books will shed some light on the matter.
Charlie Vlk
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