Locomotive #146
Below is a message and color slide I received regarding locomotive #146. It's the best color image I've seen and the only information I have about the locomotive before its arrival at the WK&S. The photographer appears to be aiming south or southwest and is standing east of the PRR Schuylkill Branch and north of E. Bellevue Ave. The bridge in the background to the left carries the PRR over the Reading Main Line. The bridge in the background to the right carries E. Bellevue Ave. over the Reading Main Line.
Jeff
I photo'd this locomotive in Reading PA in 1960. It was used to dismantle Reading RR lines upstate and belonged to T. F. Scoles a RR contractor. Was stored on a siding just off the PRR. Looks like it ended up at WK&S.
Dave Sherron
Image courtesy of Dave Sherron.
Image courtesy of Dave Sherron.
#146 at the WK&S.
This tiny Plymouth diesel-mechanical locomotive was purchased early on in the history of the WK&S. The reason for the locomotive's purchase is unclear as it was known to have a cracked engine block and was inoperable. The only visible marking is the "E146" on the cab side. Note the odd hand-cranked cable winch on the hood. I haven't seen many color images of the locomotive. It appears to have been yellow or a light shade of orange with a lot of rust.
Locomotive #146 coupled with steam locomotive #3. Locomotive #3 was also inoperative and was used as a static display.
Locomotive #146 coupled with steam locomotive #3.
Locomotive #146 coupled with steam locomotive #3.
In 1970 the WK&S got the idea to scrap #146 and use it's rolling chassis as the basis to fabricate a coal tender for WK&S steam locomotive #2. Since #2 is such a small switch engine it lacked even a coal bunker. Coal was simply piled up on the cab floor and its range was limited. With its new Plymouth tender, #2 could carry enough coal for the whole weekend and then some. By 2002 the tender would have required new side sheets. Instead it was simply removed from service. In 2005 the tender went to a railroad equipment collector in Geigertown, Pennsylvania. The tender was traded for a small crane that now resides between the two tracks in the shop building.
Locomotive #2 with its new coal tender. Click for more information on #2.
A color image from October 1970.
Number 2's tender was removed in 2002. In this shot the tender sits in front of #2.
Derelict tender around 2002. Photo by James Perrine.