REAL 42 inch gauge 2-4-0

A real 0-4-2T on 42" gauge in Tasmania with Abt rack drive. 

i think this is the one is in springfield

Nope, that is a standard gauge 0-4-0 that used to be at Beaver, Arkansas.  It is now used as a prop at a photography studio in Springfield.  This engine was one of the locomotives used in the filming of "The Blue & The Gray" - a CBS miniseries from the early 80's.  I got to see it in steam back around that time... kind of heartbreaking to see it dead and decaying.

The little 42" 2-4-0 is a modified Porter, I think.  I don't have any pics of it in its current location, but have a few of it when it sat down by Ozark.

We are fortunate to have 3 different steamers on display in Springfield.  Besides these two engines, there is also Frisco #4524 on display in Grant Beach Park.  The volunteers there do a great job of preserving and displaying it.

 - James

Here is the 42" gauge Porter when it was in Ozark, Missouri:

As you can see, it has been dolled up to look like an old west train.  It appears that the diamond stack was just inserted in the top of the original shotgun stack, and the fancy cab and cowcatcher added, too.  Not sure that the pilot truck is original, either... although it is possible.  It's a neat little locomotive, sure would like to see it in it's original form, though.

I got to ride the 0-4-0 while it was in Bevar.  The narrows bridge was in place and was a pretty walk  It has now been removed and one more icon has bit the dust, thanks to the corp of Engineers.   If you get your topo zone out you can see what a nice area Beaver is.

Al

P.S. Okay WindupGuy, where are you located?  We don't have very many of the Narrow Minded guys down here and I would like to see if we could get to gather for lunch or some thing like that! 

Al, you know me... I'm James Pekarek, live just up the road at Northview.  I would enjoy getting together and talking narrow gauge (or standard gauge).  I'll send an email to you later at the email address in your profile.  

James, have you posted any pics of your live steam?  If not, how about sharing them with the forum folks?  Your track into the woods would make great pics.

Al

Since this is an O scale narrow gauge forum, I'll refrain from posting live steam pics... I don't want to get too far off topic.    However, if anyone is interested, they can see pics on my website:  http://www.nfrailroad.com/

Some pages with pictures on the site:  Tour, Gallery #1, Gallery #2, Mountain Railroad.

I sure miss Walt.  He was always around and willing to help when needed.

Your pictures are sure neat, and I am sure Walt provided a lot help.

Al

I would be interested to hear the background on that engine, considering that 42" gauge is really rare in the USA!

Ace, when my wife and I honey mooned in Eureka Springs.  As we were going into the town, I spotted a depot with right of way but no rails.  I found out the depot was used by the Missouri and North Arkansas which had the track pulled ub when Table Rock Dam was concluded.  There were no locomotives around at that time, Sept 1972.  I don't recall when, but a Lumber man restored the track from the depot to the junction which is a Y.  I don't recall these dates but the motive power was a wood burner 2-6-0 and pulled a diner train.  The locomotives for the Blue and Gray were brought into via trucks.  There wasn't any 42 inch gauge on the location, so It is hard to tell where it came from, but it must it have been used in the lumber business.

There is still some steam locos at the depot, but they are out of service. 

Al

Eureka Springs?...."Heeber Creeper?".  I had heard of the Heeber Creeper. and Eureka Springs,  for years and detoured down to Eureka Springs to see what I could see a couple of years ago.  I saw a tourist train running out of a station with various pieces of rolling stock sitting in the yard.  I may have seen that loco but don't remember it.  Would have to dig through photos.  Is that the location you are describing, Mr. Clair, that tourist train's yard?

The 1941 Locomotive Cyclopedia shows a number of 42" gauge locos, all for export,

one for Australia, and others for Africa, the Phillipines, and Cental and S. America,

but nary a one, in the industrial loco listing, for the U.S. market.

Yes, that is the Eureka Springs we have been discussing.

Al

Okay guys, Mr. Clair was my father and I am happy to be Al.  He was a great guy, and I was blessed to have him as my Dad.

Al

James, what a terrific railroad you have!  WOW!  Quite unique and what wonderful equipment too.  I run at Train Mountain 7 1/2 inch gauge and you are not alone on this forum in your love of live steamers.  That is why we looked at this posting.  There are several of us here and we do manage to sneak in a pix or two of our goodies.  Great job, and I love the scenery as well!    Russ

Yeah I know its not steam!

It is now, but 42" was the old Pennsylvania logging gauge back when ~60% of PA was just about cut clear.

Yep, 42" gauge wasn't a prevalent as 36", but it certainly wasn't unheard of.  42" gauge was even proposed for the Texas & Pacific Railroad by Buell.  According to Hilton's excellent book "American Narrow Gauge Railroads", there was about twice as much 42" gauge mileage as compared to 24" gauge - but almost everyone is familiar with the famous 2 footers of Maine, while 42" gauge languishes in the shadows... one of the irony's of history.  I suppose it is because the Maine railroads lasted so late, while the 42" roads tended to be abandoned or re-gauged early on.

Russ, thanks for your kind comments about my live steam railroad.  I like your picture - the diesels are fun, too!  I enjoy visiting 7.5" gauge railroads, always something neat on the rails.  After all, 12" gauge live steam is about as common as 42" gauge...