Transcription
FORNEY type locomotive, built in 1893, joins exhibits at Museum of Transport, St. Louis, Mo.
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Mexican Firm Gives Forney Engine to Museum
A Forney type locomotive, which began its career on the elevated lines in Chicago before the turn of the century, and narrowly missed being scrapped in Piedras Negras, Mexico, has been presented to the Museum of Transport, St. Louis, Mo. Mr. Carlos Grimm, Mexican Consul at St. Louis, represented La Consolidada, S.A., the Mexican firm which donated the small steam locomotive to the Museum. Mr. Arthur K. Atkinson, Museum Board Chairman, accepted the gift which is believed to be one of the last remaining examples of the Forney type locomotive.
Named for their designer, Matthew Forney, these locomotives were developed in the 1870's for use on elevated railway and light suburban systems. The small 0-4-4-T units carried the tender and locomotive on one rigid frame. About 1900, with the electrification of elevated lines and the use of heavy steel cars on suburban lines, the Forneys were retired and sold to industrial users.
The locomotive now at the Museum was built in 1893 by the Rhode Island Locomotive Works for the Lake Street Elevated Railway in Chicago. Following the tradition of the times, it was named the "Charles H." and put in service on the elevated line during the Columbian Exposition. Several years later, it was sold to a Michigan Chemical Company and used in its plant. Later, a Florida industrial firm purchased the "Charles H." and converted it from coal to woodburning.
It was sold again and converted to an oil burner at Rusk, Texas. Finally, the locomotive was acquired by La Consolidada, S.A. when it purchased the blast furnace and equipment at Rusk, Texas. The locomotive was then used in the company's foundry at Piedras Negras, Mexico. Last year, it was decided to scrap the old locomotive.
Mr. Avery Von Blon, a railroad telegrapher at Waco, Texas, realizing the historical significance of the old steamer, has been keeping track of it during its moves about the country. Mr. Von Blon informed the Museum of Transport that the locomotive was to be scrapped and Museum officials contacted the Mexican firm. La Consolidada, S.A., also felt that the locomotive should be preserved and donated it to the Museum.
The "Charles H.", freshly painted and refurbished by La Consolidada, S.A., was shipped to St. Louis on a flat car. The unit was moved by the Southern Pacific and Cotton Belt Railways. Following presentation ceremonies recently, the locomotive was moved to the Museum on Barretts Station Road by the Terminal Railroad Association and the Missouri Pacific Railroad.
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