American Steam Locomotive, USA

This old American Steam Locomotive is stored at a car impound. The rusting behemoth is a wonder to behold, weighing in at around 520,000 lb. I adore steam trains, so I was very excited when we added this to our route plan. With permission, we were granted only a few minutes to photograph the train. I could have spent a lot longer! I photographed this train during the USA Road Trip 2018.

History of this old abandoned steam locomotive

This engine was built in the 1940s by a local locomotive builder. It is a standard gauge 2-10-4-wheel engine; it has two leading wheels on one axle, ten coupled driving wheels, and four trailing wheels in a bogie. These are referred to as “Texas-type” locomotives. The locomotive weighs around 520 lb. During World War II, diesel-powered locomotives began to overtake steam-power in popularity. The newer generation of trains required less maintenance and less personnel to operate, making them more cost-effective than steam. Eventually, the company that built this locomotive closed its doors in the 1950s.

After being bought by the present owner in the 1980s, the train was brought to the site on the nearby main railway line. Initially stored in a warehouse at this impound. Subsequently, it was partially restored over the next few years. The boiler was repaired, and the engine was steam tested. However, excursions were never run as the running gear system was not repaired or serviced. Without the proper legal safety certification, the train was prohibited from moving. At some point, the steam locomotive was moved outside, likely around the mid-2000s. It is becoming increasingly difficult to get a steam engine certified; the skills and knowledge needed are being lost over the years. Those who are still able to perform the certification tests often insist on a full engine rebuild. The locomotive awaits an uncertain future, unable to move under her own steam.

A bright and shiny future

This steam locomotive has found salvation! A museum purchased it in 2019, and work began dismantling and transporting it to its new home. However, this already big job was hampered by Covid-related restrictions in 2020 and 2021. It is expected that the final (and largest) parts will be re-located to the museum in 2022. Then, the rebuilding and renovation work will begin.

turning photos into digital art

I used one of these photos as a basis for my digital art piece “An Abandoned American Steam Train – Bringing the past to life with Photoshop“.