Maine Central Railroad Locomotive 470
| MEC 470 | |
|---|---|
|
Maine Central 470 sits on display in Waterville, Maine | |
| Type and origin | |
| Power type | Steam |
| Builder | American Locomotive Company, Schenectady |
| Serial number | 65555 |
| Build date | 1924 |
| Rebuild date | 1933 |
| Specifications | |
| Configuration | 4-6-2 |
| UIC classification | 2′C1′ |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Leading wheel diameter | 33 in (0.838 m) |
| Driver diameter | 73 in (1.854 m) |
| Trailing wheel diameter | 46 in (1.168 m) |
| Length | 75 ft 0 in (22.86 m) |
| Height | 14 ft 7 1⁄2 in (4.46 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 280,600 lb (127.3 tonnes) |
| Tender weight | 190,800 lb (86.5 tonnes) |
| Locomotive and tender combined weight | 471,400 lb (213.8 tonnes) |
| Fuel type | Coal |
| Fuel capacity | 26,000 lb (12 tonnes) |
| Water capacity | 9,200 US gal (35,000 l; 7,700 imp gal) |
| Boiler pressure | 195 lbf/in2 (1.34 MPa) |
| Firegrate area | 56.5 sq ft (5.25 m2) |
| Heating surface: – Tubes and flues | 2,664.8 sq ft (247.57 m2) |
| – Firebox | 311.7 sq ft (28.96 m2) |
| – Total | 3,033 sq ft (281.8 m2) |
| Superheater area | 636 sq ft (59.1 m2) |
| Cylinders | Two |
| Cylinder size | 24 in × 28 in (610 mm × 711 mm) |
| Valve gear | Baker |
| Performance figures | |
| Tractive effort | 36,619 lbf (162.89 kN) |
| Career | |
| Operator(s) | Maine Central Railroad |
| Class | C-3 |
| Number in class | 5th of 5 |
| Nicknames | Old 470 |
| Locale | Maine |
| Delivered | 1924 |
| Last run | June 13, 1954 |
| Preserved | October 28, 1962 |
| Current owner | City of Waterville, Maine |
| Disposition | Restoration |
| Specifications are following a Class C-3 Modification. 1933 | |
Maine Central Railroad 470 is a retired 4-6-2 (Pacific) steam locomotive, now owned by and publicly displayed in the City of Waterville, Maine.
History
The locomotive was built in 1924 by the American Locomotive Company in Schenectady, NY, designated as builder's number 65555. Upon purchase, Maine Central Railroad (MEC) numbered the engine 470. Delivery was expected during the summer of 1924.[1]
The locomotive was purchased exclusively for a thriving passenger market serving stops between Boston, Massachusetts and Bangor, Maine. Ridership of the era was creating additional demand for capacity and speed, and Maine Central continued up-sizing to larger and more powerful engines such as ALCO's 4-6-2s.[2]
ALCO vigorously promoted their popular 4-6-2s to the railroads, especially in the passenger-dense east coast. [3] It was purchased for $62,296.90. (The equivalent of ±$839,000 in present-day U.S. dollars)
During its 30 years of service, 470 pulled named passenger trains including The Gull, The Bar Harbor Express, and the Kennebec Limited.[4]
The engine was the last steam locomotive to be operated by Maine Central Railroad, and its final run on Sunday, June 13, 1954 was nationally publicized and attracted widespread spectators along its entire route of travel.[5] Passenger service had been in steady decline, and Maine Central discontinued all passenger service in Maine only six years later.[6]
After its final run, Engine 470 was transferred to the Railroad's Maintenance Shops in Waterville where it was drained and winterized and then towed to a display plinth near the public railroad station. On October 28, 1962, in celebrating Maine Central Railroad's centennial anniversary, the locomotive was officially presented as a gift to the City of Waterville.
Deterioration
Following the razing of MEC Train Station and revitalization of the nearby roadway, the locomotive was moved to a new display location [Map] on December 14, 1970. This new roadside location provided open recreational access to the locomotive, and it became subject to vandalism and pilferage.
During its years on display, the locomotive has received minor cosmetic restoration as well as rudimentary asbestos abatement.[7]
Sale and Restoration
In 2012, recognizing the deteriorating condition and subsequent hazard to the public, the City of Waterville requested bids for the sale or restoration of the locomotive.[8] Of the six bids that were received, only one bidder planned to keep the locomotive in Maine.[9]
On December 3, 2013, the City Council of Waterville voted in favor of selling the locomotive to Maine-based non-profit New England Steam Corporation.[10]
New England Steam entered a delayed purchase and sale agreement with the City, vowing not to preemptively disturb the locomotive until it had successfully raised both the purchase price and the anticipated moving costs.
In 2015, New England Steam intends to relocate the locomotive to Washington Junction in Hancock, Maine. In cooperation with Downeast Scenic Railroad, they plan to commence a complete restoration, returning MEC 470 to service as part of a Maine Heritage railway.
References
- ↑ Central Maine Magazine, Vol. 1, number 4
- ↑ ALCO, BULLETIN No. 1016, NOVEMBER, 1913
- ↑ Dr. Richard Leonard, http://www.railarchive.net/alcopacifics/index.html
- ↑ http://www.newenglandsteam.org/about-mec-470
- ↑ http://bangordailynews.com/2014/06/17/news/bangor/steam-locomotive-that-made-last-run-60-years-ago-to-run-again/
- ↑ White, Jonathan N. (2001), A History of the Maine Central Railroad, http://home.sprynet.com/~jwhite07/mec/mec.htm
- ↑ Bangor Daily News (Somerset Edition), June 14, 1984, p. 17
- ↑ http://www.centralmaine.com/2012/09/24/waterville-officials-hope-someone-can-either-buy-or-restore-old-470-steam-locomotive_2012-09-23/
- ↑ http://www.centralmaine.com/2012/11/10/old-470city-examines-bidsto-move-locomotive_2012-11-10/
- ↑ http://bangordailynews.com/2013/12/07/news/hancock/waterville-council-approves-sale-of-1924-locomotive-for-restoration-relocation-to-ellsworth/
External Links
New England Steam Corporation Website
Downeast Scenic Railroad Website
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