Reviving a Century-Old Locomotive: The Journey of №4960
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Chapter 1: A Family Connection
This year, I had the pleasure of spending Christmas dinner with my granddaughter, who sported a sweatshirt featuring the Grand Canyon Railroad logo. Curious, I inquired about her experience, and she shared her delightful journey on the train during her vacation. Intrigued, I decided to delve deeper into the history of this locomotive, which I hope you find just as fascinating.
Introduction to №4960
The Class 0–1a "2–8–2 Mikado type" steam locomotive №4960 was crafted by Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia in 1923 for the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy (CB&Q) Railroad. Initially designed for freight transport, this locomotive has served both freight and passenger roles, offering excursions from Williams, Arizona, to the Grand Canyon National Park.
This locomotive continued its freight duties for CB&Q until 1957, when the company opted to preserve it for their steam excursion program rather than scrap it. This initiative lasted until 1966 when it was donated to the Circus World Museum, which later transferred it to the Mid-Continent Railway Museum for static display. In the 1980s, it was once again operational under the Bristol and North Western Railroad before being stored.
Today, it proudly pulls passenger trains between Williams, Arizona, and the Grand Canyon National Park, owned by the Grand Canyon Railway.
Section 1.1: Historical Overview
In 1910, CB&Q placed an order for 388 "Mikado" type locomotives from Baldwin. This was a period marked by unprecedented freight traffic. While the broader history is extensive, we will focus on the journey of №4960.
Between 1917 and 1923, a total of 148 O-1a locomotives were produced, with №4960 being one of the last built on July 31, 1923. These locomotives efficiently transported mixed freight trains for over 30 years. However, as diesel engines began to dominate, steam locomotives like the 2–8–2s were phased out of revenue service by the end of 1957.
The last operational duties of №4960 involved hauling coal from Southern Illinois mines before it was retired and stored.
Subsection 1.1.1: Transition to Excursions
In the 1950s, CB&Q organized farewell excursions featuring steam locomotives. On December 28, 1958, №4960 was revived from storage to pull an excursion train filled with 490 passengers, sponsored by the Illinois Railroad Club. Following this event, CB&Q's president, Harry C. Murphy, designated №4960 for their steam excursion program. In 1961, it underwent an overhaul to extend its operational life.
During the program, the locomotive also participated in the "Steam Choo-Choo," a school field trip initiative that introduced over 120,000 students to the wonders of steam engines, earning it the affectionate nickname "The Teacher."
Section 1.2: The End of an Era
In 1966, under the new leadership of Louis W. Menk, CB&Q shifted focus away from steam excursions, culminating in the last excursion for №4960 on July 17, 1966. The locomotive was then donated to the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, where it was placed on static display at the Circus World Museum.
Due to restrictions on a light-duty bridge, the locomotive was moved to the Mid-Continent Railway Museum (MCRM) for temporary storage. Although it was intended to be a static exhibit, there were mixed feelings about its presence; while some employees saw potential revenue, others viewed it as a burden on the museum’s resources.
Chapter 2: Restoration and Revival
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After spending a decade on display, №4960 was selected for restoration by Harold Keene, who had established the Bristol and North Western (B&NW) tourist railroad. The locomotive was transported to Jackson Iron and Steel Company for operational restoration, which revealed that many components were in poor condition due to its prior usage.
Restoration efforts focused on minimal repairs, as the B&NW operated as a tourist line. After some initial setbacks, the locomotive returned to service in July 1981, pulling weekend tourist trains.
However, by late 1981, the B&NW faced challenges leading to its eventual closure. The locomotive sat idle until March 1985, marking its last operational appearance in its CB&Q livery before being towed to storage.
Section 2.1: The Grand Canyon Railway Connection
In 1988, Max and Thelma Biegert purchased the Grand Canyon Railway, aiming to revive passenger services. With initial locomotives unable to meet demands, they turned to №4960, which was still in storage. The locomotive was acquired just before the railway's reopening.
Restoration challenges persisted, with significant repairs required for corroded axles and wheels. Despite these setbacks, the locomotive was successfully reassembled and underwent a thorough restoration process beginning in July 1993.
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After three years of extensive work and investment exceeding $1 million, №4960 was test-fired in May 1996 and returned to the rails in July, pulling its first train in over a decade. It has since operated passenger trains from Williams to the Grand Canyon Village.
As of 2022, №4960 remains in operation, continuing to delight passengers on Steam Saturdays, with special excursions honoring railway history. The locomotive has evolved to burn recycled vegetable oil, earning it the nickname "The Green Machine."
Surviving Sister Engines
The legacy of №4960 continues alongside its sister engines, with several preserved in various states. This enduring connection to history keeps the spirit of steam locomotives alive, inspiring future generations of railway enthusiasts.
For more information on trains, please visit these resources:
- Trains Portal
- Arizona Portal
- Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy 4000
- Canadian National 3254
- Grand Trunk Western 4070
- Nickel Plate Road 587
- Southern Railway 4501
- Soo Line 1003
If you're interested in further reading, consider the following sources:
- Bianchi, Curt (May 1997). "Steam's Comeback Kid" Trains. Vol.57, no.5. Kalmbach Publishing.
- Boyd, Jim (September 1982). "The Bristol & North Western". Railfan & Railroad. Vol. 4, no. 6. Carstens Publications.
- Corbin, Bernard G.; Kerka, William F. (1960). Steam Locomotives of The Burlington Route (1st ed.). Bonanza Books.
- Richmond, Al (2007). Rails to the Rim: Milepost Guide to the Grand Canyon Railway (8th ed.). Grand Canyon Railway.