rfpjohn Detroit & Lima Northern #7 has to be about the most graceful engine currently in steam. I had no idea such an engine was under restoration. One would be hard pressed to come up with a more perfect representative of American steam power at the turn of the century. My question is; how standardized was Baldwin's catalogue at that time? This engine is a dead ringer for three engines of one of my favorite shortlines, Union Transportation Co. 5,6 & 7. The 62" drivers are a match, the position of domes on the wagon top boiler are the same, the only difference I notice is the UT engines had deckless cabs (firebox extends to the rear of the cab). Perhaps this was to shorten the engines for turntable space? Also, does anyone know of other duplicates, either still in existence or on the rosters of years past?
Detroit & Lima Northern #7 has to be about the most graceful engine currently in steam. I had no idea such an engine was under restoration. One would be hard pressed to come up with a more perfect representative of American steam power at the turn of the century.
My question is; how standardized was Baldwin's catalogue at that time? This engine is a dead ringer for three engines of one of my favorite shortlines, Union Transportation Co. 5,6 & 7. The 62" drivers are a match, the position of domes on the wagon top boiler are the same, the only difference I notice is the UT engines had deckless cabs (firebox extends to the rear of the cab). Perhaps this was to shorten the engines for turntable space?
Also, does anyone know of other duplicates, either still in existence or on the rosters of years past?
Here is a link to a photo of this beautiful 4-4-0 @ Rail Pictures.com
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=453431&nseq=1
and linked as well to a page of photos on this little gem
@ http://www.railpictures.net/showphotos.php?road_number=DLN%207
This is a real beauty! The photo's owner is listed as Jeff Terry. Really nice shots of this historic locomotive.
Maybe the folks at Greenfield village should pull the whistle off that C&O Allegheny they've got. Now THAT would get everyone's attention!
Thanks guys, but that isn't my photo. All it took is 30 seconds of playing with the search function....
The photo is by Jeff Terry, who wrote the article in the magazine. Thanks Chuck for that additional information.
Firelock76 -- snip -- Baldwins models were pretty standardized. Propective buyers were given a catalog with builders photos, and mind you in the 1890's they were REAL photos pasted into the book, showcasing what the firm had to offer. So if No. 7 has a strong family resemblance to other Baldwin products that shouldn't be too surprising. However, like Burger King, special orders didn't upset 'em, they could be quite accomodating.
-- snip -- Baldwins models were pretty standardized. Propective buyers were given a catalog with builders photos, and mind you in the 1890's they were REAL photos pasted into the book, showcasing what the firm had to offer. So if No. 7 has a strong family resemblance to other Baldwin products that shouldn't be too surprising.
However, like Burger King, special orders didn't upset 'em, they could be quite accomodating.
If the buyer chose to duplicate a loco built for someone else, Baldwin would pull the plans out of a drawer and proceed directly to the erecting floor. If they wanted a new wheel arrangement, frame and/or boiler modifications or different size drivers, then it was back to the drafting table (at the buyer's expense.)
Even so, Baldwins of that era had a lot of commonality. Capped stacks and 'Cookie jar' sand box lids even showed up on 3' 6" gauge Baldwins built for service in Japan.
Chuck
Thanks from me, also, Northwest. When my kids come home to visit, I'll have to get them to show me, again, how to post photos! Didn't take the first time.
Union Transportation #7 was purported to have a whistle like a peanut roaster! I guess each road decided what kind of voice their locos should have.
NorthWest, dittos to DaveK's comment, thanks for posting the photo! The photo in "Trains" doesn't do it justice.
thanks Northwest for posting the photo! Yes, a beautiful locomotive!
I was at Greenfield Village on July 13 2013. When they first ran this Engine after restoration. I have only one issue with this Engine and that is the Whistle is extremely loud and high pitched but fun to ride.
I have added a link to my gallery of the Baldwin-Lima #7 Engine running at Greenfield Village, Dearborn, MI
https://www.soaphoto.com/album/my_album.asp?uid=lpagel5405&aId=43670&aType=10&altitle_vc=Detroit%%&%%Lima%%Northern%%#7
Number 7 is beautiful!
For all those that don't know what we are talking about, here is a picture: http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=453430&nseq=2
Standard Baldwin models? Hadn't heard of that. But it makes sense, especially for this time period. And for shortline railroads.
Ah yes, page 78 in the November "Trains". What a magnificent piece of machinery!
I think the Greenfield Village people were very smart to keep the resoration of No. 7 on the "QT" until they were ready to spring it on us. What a great surprise!
Oh, and as I understand it Baldwins models were pretty standardized. Propective buyers were given a catalog with builders photos, and mind you in the 1890's they were REAL photos pasted into the book, showcasing what the firm had to offer. So if No. 7 has a strong family resemblance to other Baldwin products that shouldn't be too surprising.
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