Locomotive #250
Baldwin 2-6-2 steam locomotive #250, built in 1926, is long gone from the WK&S. The WK&S acquired locomotive #250 in 1963 from the Bonhomie & Hattiesburg Southern Railroad in Mississippi. The B&HS was the original and sole owner of the locomotive up to that time. On its way to the WK&S, #250 rode a ship between Louisiana and New Jersey. Relatively speaking, #250 was a small engine. Yet it proved too big, expensive and complex for the diminutive WK&S. The locomotive was a popular attraction and an impressive sight, but was sold off when a cash strapped WK&S faced financial reorganization in the early 1970's. Locomotive #250 was the last piece of equipment to have left the WK&S by rail. Some track repair work was first required. Then #250 left as engine #65 arrived. The track south of N. Albany was scrapped for good soon there after. After leaving the WK&S, #250 went to the Strasburg Railroad for re-tubing and then to the Wolfeboro Railroad in New Hampshire. The locomotive's next owner was the Hobo Railroad also in New Hampshire. The locomotive currently resides at the Edaville Railroad in Carver, Massachusetts. The locomotive has been cosmetically restored, but as far as I know, hasn't run since leaving the Wolfeboro Railroad. The image above was captured from an old black and white postcard. The scene depicts WK&S #250 storming south over the Ontelaunee Creek bridge. This location is about midway between Kempton and Wanamakers.
Probably a Baldwin builder's photo from 1926.
Locomotive #250 and train pulling into Kempton. Note that the locomotive is not lettered for the WK&S but "Bonhomie & Hattiesburg Southern" has been painted over.
Smoking it up near the "yard limit" sign at the north end of the Kempton passing track.
Laying over on the passing track at Wanamaker. During the early years of WK&S operations locomotives were stored and watered at Wanamaker.
Again at Wanamaker, #250 runs around its train. A crude photo, but note the piping arrangement to the right for filling the locomotive with water pumped from nearby Ontelaunee Creek.
A color photo showing #250 now with "WK&S" painted on the tender.
This photo was captioned "last day old company". This was the last day that the WK&S operated before temporarily closing for fanatical reorganization. It's also the last day that #250 steamed at the WK&S. The photo shows the train approaching the cut between Steinsville and the Ontelaunee Creek Bridge. Photo by Bernie Perch.
A picture of #250 on static display in blue and silver taken around 1996. Photo by Derek Wilkinson.