Alright, OK, as the dispatchers used to say...at Firelock76's prompt I too went to the NH&I website to confirm the 4-8-4designation. But you've got to remember it is actually a very small locomotive so don't let the wheel arrangement fool you...definitely not Superpower as we think of it.
...if you've ever seen or have the chance to see the movie Ironweed, this locomotive was used....Smoke was generated by a fire in the firebox but propulsion was by a D&H RS3 with plywood sheathing around it.
RIDEWITHMEHENRY is the name for our almost monthly day of riding trains and transit in either the NYCity or Philadelphia areas including all commuter lines, Amtrak, subways, light rail and trolleys, bus and ferries when warranted. No fees, just let us know you want to join the ride and pay your fares. Ask to be on our email list or find us on FB as RIDEWITHMEHENRY (all caps) to get descriptions of each outing.
I don't know why I didn't think of this sooner. I just looked at the website of the New Hope and Ivyland RR and sure enough 3028 is a 4-8-4. No pictures though, and no word as to when it may run again.
3028 is a 4-8-4. Check the available pix.
If I can find my way to my file cabinets I might find info on the 3028. And if my scanner doesn't foul up my computer like it did last week, I might be able to get something posted on her.
Thanks Henry6 for your input. I know I read it was a Niagra but it wouldn't be the first time I got bum scoop. By the way, back in the 60's railfan and author Ron Zeil tried to buy a Niagra and to make a long story short passed on it rather than pay the bribes to make it possible.
Firelock76 As an aside here, the Mexican "Niagras" weren't as big as their New York Central namesakes. They were actually on the smallish side for a 4-8-4. Incidentally, I read several years ago the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad in Pennsylvania obtained a Mexican "Niagra" with the idea of returning it to operation. As far as I know they've still got it, but stored in their shops in New Hope. Anyone know what's going on with it?
As an aside here, the Mexican "Niagras" weren't as big as their New York Central namesakes. They were actually on the smallish side for a 4-8-4. Incidentally, I read several years ago the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad in Pennsylvania obtained a Mexican "Niagra" with the idea of returning it to operation. As far as I know they've still got it, but stored in their shops in New Hope. Anyone know what's going on with it?
I'd be interested in knowing, too. The locomotive is the NdeM 3028 and is a 2-8-4 I think, definitely not a Niagra. It was, or is, actually owned by the Great Norteastern Railroad Foundation of the Albany, NY area and was leased or loaned to New Hope 15 or more years ago wit the promise that it was to be refurbished and used by the NH&I. I was a member of GNERF back when it was sent to New Hope but have not been active since and have not heard a word about what is happening to it.
Some were shipped by rail, towed dead in trains. ALCO sent via D&H to Binghamton, NY and either LV or Erie on west. Erie would take to Chicago or somewhere in Indiana or western Ohio; LV would take to NKP at Buffalo. I am not sure of any DL&W routing west of BInghamton. And yes, ALCO also shipped west via NYC from Schenectady.
I rather suspect they would have traveled by ship. By barge from Schenectady to New York first (they would not have fit through the tunnels on the connecting railroads.) Philadelphia can handle oceangoing ships.
Incidentally, to preserve the proper pronunciation, the NdeM 4-8-4s are spelled Niagra. The native spelling is pronounced Nee-ya-ga-ra in Mexican Spanish. As for the reason for the name, the NdeM officials touring the Alco plant saw some NYC 6000s under construction and liked the name. (They weren't about to call theirs Northerns.)
Chuck
If the NdeM Niagara steam locomotives were made at Alco and Baldwin plants, what route did it take to get from the respective plants to National of Mexico.
Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!
Get the Classic Trains twice-monthly newsletter