santa fe tender

[jguess733]

earlier today, i ran accross a photo of a santa fe steam locomotive (of the articulated type) that has a very unique tender. i couldn't get a good look at it because of the angle the photogropher was standing in relation to the locomotive, but it looks like the tender is the top half of a vanderbuilt tender. does anyone have any information on this type of tender? i would like to find one for my mantua 2-6-6-2. thanks for the help.

[tomikawaTT]

That's referred to as a 'whaleback' tender. The design enjoyed a brief period of popularity for use behind oil-burning locomotives early last century, but was obsolete for new construction before WWi. The USRA, with its uncompromisingly rectangular tenders, undoubtedly drove the final nails into its coffin.

A few examples lasted until the abandonment of the SP narrow gauge in the Owens Valley.

Chuck

[jguess733]

thanks chuck. i was over in dallas today and stopped by discount model trains, and while i was noseing around found a book by jeff ainsworth called santa fe 1600 seriews 2-10-2 pictorial. on the cover was 2-10-2 #1624 with the whaleback tender. i'm going to try and find some drawings for it so i can scratchbuild one. thanks again for the help.