Gov. Stanford

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Gov. Stanford
Gov. Stanford
Power type Steam
Builder Norris Locomotive Works
Serial number 1040
Build date 1862
Configuration 4-4-0
Gauge ft 8½ in (1435 mm)
Driver size 54 in diameter
Weight on drivers 35,700 lb rebuilt
Total weight 50,000 lb, 56,000 lb rebuilt
Boiler pressure 100 psi, 125 psi rebuilt
Cylinder size 15 in dia × 22 in stroke; 16 in dia × 22 in stroke rebuilt
Tractive effort 7,791 lbf (34,660 N), 11,081 lbf (49,291 N) rebuilt
Career Central Pacific
Number 1, renum. 1174 in 1891
Official name Gov. Stanford
Retired July 20, 1895
Current owner Stanford University
Disposition static display at the California State Railroad Museum

Gov. Stanford is a 4-4-0 steam locomotive originally built in 1862 by Norris Locomotive Works. It entered service on November 9, 1863 and it was used in the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad in North America by Central Pacific Railroad bearing road number 1. It was Central Pacific's first locomotive and it is named in honor of Leland Stanford.

The locomotive was rebuilt by 1878 with larger cylinders and an increased boiler pressure, which increased its tractive effort to 11,081 pounds force (49,291 N). In 1891 the locomotive was renumbered to 1174. The locomotive was retired from regular service on July 20, 1895, then donated to Stanford University; however, it was not delivered to the university until 1899. The locomotive was disassembled and stored during World War II but was returned to display at the university after reassembly by retired Southern Pacific engineer Billy Jones. Loaned to the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society, the locomotive is currently a centerpiece at the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento where it has been cosmetically restored to its 1899 appearance.

[edit] References

  • Diebert, Timothy S. and Strapac, Joseph A. (1987). Southern Pacific Company Steam Locomotive Conpendium. Shade Tree Books. ISBN 0-930742-12-5. 

[edit] See also