For those of you who have an interest in the “nitty-gritty” details, a chronological history of Sierra 4-6-0 #3 are posted here for your enjoyment. This document was prepared by Curator Kyle Wyatt.
Among the highlights of particular interest in the present rebuilding are the following:
Sierra #3 made two known trips to the Sacramento Shops for repairs, once in 1897, and again in 1900.
In 1911 the Sierra first contacted Baldwin, and then ALCo about having new cylinders cast for #3. It is unclear whether or not the Sierra received new cylinders, but it does appear quite possible that it did at this time.
Loco #3’s big tip-over wreck was on Nov 25, 1918. It received a 2nd hand SP steel cab in Feb 1919 during the rebuild from the wreck.
The Red Glove was filmed on May 26, 1919 using the chartered Angels train (likely during its layover in Jamestown) but it is unknown what locomotive was used. Evidence suggests that this was not the first movie filmed in Tuolumne County (including some Tom Mix films), but it is unknown whether there were any train scenes in earlier filmings.
We DO know that loco #3 was used by Tom Mix in 1920 while filming The Terror.
After being retired in 1932, the Sierra started rebuilding loco #3 in either late 1946 or early 1947. There is no evidence that the loco went to the SP Sacramento Shops at this time. The “official” return to service was an R&LHS excursion on May 30, 1948.
Sierra Railway 4-6-0 No. 3
(Copied from a 1990 chronology with source notes by KKW, with added materials)
Specifications
[Different and sometimes conflicting information from several sources, primary and secondary]
Built by Rogers, March 26, 1891, c/n 4493, listed as “2-6-0” [typo?]. Prescott & Arizona Central #3 W. N. Kelley. Cyl 17×24; Dr 54”[1]
Built by Rogers, March 1891, c/n 4493. Prescott & Arizona Central #3 W. N. Kelly [sic]. Cyl 17×24; Dr 54”[2]
Built by Rogers, freight engine. Cyl 17×24; Dr 56”; Eng & tender light 117,000 lbs; Eng & tender loaded 150,806 lbs; Wt on drivers 72,000 lbs; Tender light 29,750 lbs; Tender loaded 63,556 lbs; Tender water 3400 gals; Tender fuel 703 gals.[3]
Built by Rogers, March 1891, c/n 4493. Cyl 17×24; Dr (over new tires) 55”, center 48”; Lead truck 26”; BP 160 lbs; Tender water 3452 gals; Tender fuel 726 gals.[4]
Weight without tender 40 tons; Weight on drivers 35 tons; TF 17,006 lbs.[5]
Built by Rogers, March 1891, c/n 4493. Cyl 17×24; Dr 56”; Weight 100,000 lbs; BP 160 lbs; TF 17,470 lbs.[6]
Built by Rogers, 1891, c/n 4493. Cyl 17×24; Dr 55”; Weight 100,000 lbs; BP 160 lbs.[7]
Standard Rogers 4-6-0 freight loco specs: Cyl 17×24; Dr 54”; Driver wheel base 13’ 6”; Total wheel base 23’ 11”. Weight in running order: On Drivers 74,000 lbs; On lead truck 26,000 lbs; total 100,000. Tender water capacity 2,500 gals. Fuel, bituminous coal.[8]
Rogers specifications dated June 9, 1894 for an 18×24 cylinder 4-6-0, simlar but slightly larger than Sierra Ry #3, with photo of Jamaica Ry 4-6-0 #16 (c/n 4402, Oct 23, 1890, 18×24, 56”) – specs include:
Cyl 18×24; Dr 54”; Driver wheelbase 14’ 0”; Total wheel base 24’ 5”; Weight on drivers 78,000 lbs; weight on lead truck 27,000 lbs; Total weight 105,000 lbs. Fuel bituminous coal. Driver tires, 54” diameter; 3” thick; front driver plain (blind) 6½” wide; main and back drivers flanged 5¾” wide; lead truck wheels 28”. Driving axle journals 7½” diameter by 9” long. Cab of ash, painted. Tender frame of white oak. Tender wheels 33”. Tender top, inside and bottom plates ¼”; outside plates 3/16”. Tender capacity 3000 gals water, 5 tons coal.[9]
Historical Chronology
1887 Sept 9 Prescott & Arizona Central 4-6-0 1st #3 City of Prescott built by Rogers, c/n 3815; Cyl 17×24; Dr 56”. Held by Rogers until Jan 4, 1888.[10] [Reportedly turned over to Atlantic & Pacific as #99 to cover debt.]
1889 Oct 29 Prescott & Arizona Central 2-6-0 2nd #3 W, N. Kelley built by Rogers, c/n 4204; Cyl 17×24; Dr 54”. Ordered as Monterey & Mexican Gulf #5 (another T. S. Bullock railroad), but diverted under lease to P&AC.[11] [Subsequently returned to M&MG as their #17.]
1891 March 26 Prescott & Arizona Central 4-6-0 3rd #3 W. N. Kelley built by Rogers, c/n 4493, specs as above.[12] [This is Sierra Ry #3 today.]
1893 July 1 Prescott & Arizona Central defaulted on this date, and receiver appointed.[13]
1893 Oct 2 Bill for rental of P&AC loco #3 by P&AC from Park Place Commercial Co., New York, S. D. Freshman, President. Wm. N. Kelly (sic), Esq., Receiver for P&AC.[14]
1896 Nov 4 Bullock and Poniatowski entered into an agreement, dated November 4, 1896, to form a company named the Sierra Pacific Railway Company.[15]
1896 Reported purchase date by Sierra Ry.[16] [Possibly Sierra Pacific Ry purchase date? – Sierra Pacific Ry incorporated by Bullock in Stockton with Poniatowski & Crocker involvement.]
1897 Feb 1 Sierra Railway of Calif incorporated by Bullock & Poniatowski.[17]
1897 Contract #5 between Sierra Ry and West Coast Construction (Bullock’s construction company). WCCCo to furnish 3 locos, 20 flats, 1 new coach, 1 new combine.[18]
1897 April 28 News report says 3 Sierra Ry locos now in Oakdale.[19]
1897 June Loco #3 arrived from Stockton under its own power. Pulled first passenger train to Cooperstown with leased SP cars.[20] [Arrival date from Stockton in question in light of Mother Lode Magnet item above.]
1897 June 1 Loco #3 purchased by Sierra Ry [from West Coast Const.] on this date for $2,800.[21]
1897 June 10 Sierra Ry timetable No. 1 published. Passenger service between Oakdale and Cooperstown.[22]
1897 July 12 or 13 Loco #3 wreck east of Cooperstown.[23]
1897 July 13-16 Loco #3 repairs from wreck include work on pilot and crosshead guide.[24]
1897 Oct (22?) Loco #3 off track at Crimea House.[25]
1897 Oct “late” Loco #3 moved dead in train to SP Sacramento Shops for repairs.[26]
1897 Nov 18 Bill from SP Sacramento Shops for repairs to Sierra loco #3.[27]
1897 “late” Loco #3 sold to Sierra Ry for $2,800.[28]
1898 Feb 19 Loco #3 derailed pulling into Chinese headed for Cooperstown. Toppled into ditch. Killed conductor William G. Bailey, rumored cousin of T. S. Bullock. $500 damage to locomotive.[29]
1898 June 30 All Sierra Ry locos reported burning bituminous coal and wood.[30]
1899 Sept 30 News report of first accident of any consequences (sic) on sierra Ry. Saturday morning 8 miles below Chinese engine #3 broke through a trestle.[31]
1900 Jan Loco #3 “entirely rebuilt” by SP Sacramento Shops.[32]
1900 May Sierra Ry preparing to convert (some?) locos to burn oil. Paper reported that Sierra Ry placed 3 oil storage tanks along the line.[33] Sierra Ry purchased oil burners for 4 locos form SP.[34]
1900 June 30 Annual Report to Calif Railroad Commission shows all Sierra Ry locos burning bituminous coal and wood.[35]
1900 June 30 Annual Report to ICC lists all locos with linc and pin couplers.[36]
1901 June 30 Annual Report to ICC lists all locos with Janney couplers.[37]
1901 Dec 9 Loco #3 had drivers turned.[38]
1902 June 30 Annual Report to Interstate Commerce Commission shows all Sierra Ry locos burning fuel oil.[39]
1904 Loco #3 split a switch near Chinese and tipped over. “Spilled coal (sic) and water.” Pulled back up with a block and tackle by another loco. No one killed.[40]
1904 June Sierra Ry accident on construction train, killed engineer. Loco number not identified (might not have been loco #3).[41]
1905 May 5 Sierra Ry Master Mechanic Geo. H. Langton (sp? or Laugton?) reportedto S. D freshman that loco #3 needed $4500 – 5000 in regular periodic maintenance, as per conversation “some time ago.” “Will not be of much service after July 1.”[42]
1905 Aug Loco #3 is listed as being in service.[43]
1905 Sept-Nov Loco #3 not listed as being in service.[44]
1905 Dec Loco #3 is listed as being in service, and remains so through Aug 1908.[45]
1908 Feb 7 Reported E. J. Bouchard, Supt of Sierra Ry, has perfected an acetylene headlight. Installed on loco #11. Will be placed on other locos. ICC valuation shows loco #3 had acetylene headlight in 1916.[46]
1908 Feb-March Loco 33 listed primarily in freight service (a distant second in mileage behind #18), but also with a little passenger mileage. [47]
1908 Sept Loco #3 listed as being in shop, through Jan 1909.[48]
1909 Feb Loco #3 is listed as being in service, and remains so through Jan 1910, the end of these records in collection.[49]
1911 Oct 21 Baldwin replied to SRy query about new cylinders for #3. Suggest ALCo can supply. Baldwin can build if SRy obtains plans.[50]
1911 Oct 26 SRy query to ALCo about new cylinders for #3. Want to order new cylinders in near future. Found #111422 on cylinders.[51]
1913 March Loco #3 reported in freight service.[52]
1913 Sept 10 Revised rules of inspections of locomotive boilers include:
Rule 32 – Badge Plates – A metal badge plate showing the allowed steam pressure, shall be attached to the boiler head in the cab;
Rule 33 – Boiler Number – The builder’s number of the boiler, if known, shall be stamped on the dome. If the builder’s number of the boiler can not be obtained, an assigned number which shall be used in making out specification card shall be stamped on dome.[53]
1914 March General repairs to loco #3.[54]
1915 Sept 28 Loco #3 worked the Jamestown-Oakdale (trains 5 & 6) and Jamestown-Sonora (trains 7 & 8 ) freights, subbing for 2-8-0 loco #18.[55]
1915 Sept 29 Loco #3 worked as helper on trains 5 & 6 between Jamestown and Cooperstown, subbing for 0-6-0 loco #2.[56]
1916 June 30 ICC valuation as of this date lists loco #3 as having light weight of 59 tons, in freight service.[57]
1917 Loco #3 received Pyle electric headlight.[58]
1918 Feb SRy spent $84.84 on loco #3.[59]
1918 Nov 25 Loco #3, pulling passenger train from Tuolumne, derailed and fell on its side near Sanguinetti Road, smashing cab and causing other damage. Two minor injuries and no deathes.[60]
1919 Feb SRy spent $504.43 on loco #3. Second hand Southern Pacific steel cab installed on loco #3.[61]
1919 May 26 Sierra Angels train is chartered [likely during its layover at Jamestown – KKW] for filming of an episode in the serial The Red Glove at the Fahey place. It is not clear what SRy locomotive was used in the filming. Footage for a number of episodes were filmed in Tuolumne County at this time.[62]
1920 Loco #3 appears in the Tom Mix movie The Terror – first confirmed appearance of #3 in a movie.[63]
1921 Oct 5-7 Loco #3 handling the Tuolumne-Oakdale passenger train while loco #6 is in the shops.[64]
1922 Feb SRy spent $212.86 on loco #3.[65]
1923 May 25 Boiler work on #3. 7 broken braces removed and replaced. Work done May 5, certified by ICC June 5.[66]
1924 Dec 3-4 Loco #3 handling the Tuolumne-Oakdale passenger train while #32 is subbing for #30 on the Angels train, and also in the shops.[67]
24 Dec 16-18 Loco #3 handling the Tuolumne-Oakdale passenger train while #32 having a side rod jaw repaired which broke in Oakdale on Dec 16.[68]
1924 Dec 23-25 Loco #3 handling the Tuolumne-Oakdale passenger train again after #32 broke a side rod on Dec 23.[69]
1929 May 20-21 Loco #3 used in filming The Virginian at Cooperstown.[70]
1930 April Loco #3 used in filming The Texan.[71] Based on photos, it appears to have been lettered “Southern States #8”.
1932 May Sierra Ry goes into bankruptcy, and a receiver is appointed.[72]
1932 Loco #3 retired and stored on spur track adjacent to the turntable.[73]
1935 July 9 W.H. Crocker and the other bond holders of the Sierra Ry organize the Sierra Railroad Company.[74]
1937 May 31 Sierra Railroad Company assumed operation of the Sierra Railway, ending bankruptcy receivership.[75]
1946 Dec Duel in the Sun filmed on Sierra RR. Studio wanted to use loco #3 for film, including wrecking the loco, but Sierra RR decided to keep the loco intact.[76]
1947 Jan Reported loco #3 back in service for motion picture work. Had new set of flues and brasses.[77] [Questionable that loco is actually back in service at this date – perhaps just placed in shop. – KKW]
1947 June Reported loco #3 finished repairs in shop and available for work.[78]
1948 May 30 Loco #3 operated in R&LHS fan trip, official first return to service.[79]
1950 Oct Loco #3 used in filming Wyoming Mail. 1st use of loco #3 in movie since rebuilding.[80]
1952 Jan Last use of loco #18 in movie. Loco #3 becomes the primary movie loco.[81]
1952 July Loco #3 used in film High Noon.[82]
1963-1965 Loco #3 used in Petticoat Junction TV series.[83]
1975-1980 Loco #3 used in Little House on the Prairie TV series.[84]
1979 July 20 Loco #3 appraised at $175,000 by Short Line Enterprises.[85]
1982 Sept 15 State of Califonria officially acquires loco #3, along with the rest of the Jamestown Sierra RR property.[86]
[1] Rogers builder list, Railroad History [R&LHS] No. 167, Autumn 1992
[2] Rogers builder list, ALCO Historic Photos
[3] California Railroad Commission Valuation field notes, Sierra Ry March 1913
[4] ICC Valuation field notes, Sierra Ry as of June 30, 1916
[5] ICC Annual Reports, Sierra Ry for years 1902, 1903, 1907
[6] Stephen E. Drew Sierra roster, 1977; Jack Wagner, Short Line Junction, Sierra roster; Western Railroader, “Sierra Railroad Farewell to Steam”, Issue 186, April 1955, roster by Doug Richter and Gerald Best; Dorothy Newell Deane, Sierra Railway, Howell-North Books, 1960, roster by Richter and Best
[7] Sierra Railway Locomotive Roster, Railtown 1897 Docent Assn, Oct 1995
[8] Rogers Locomotive Company catalog, 1893
[9] Sierra Ry collection of Richard Lucas, now at CSRM
[10] Rogers builder list, Railroad History [R&LHS] No. 167, Autumn 1992; Rogers builder list, ALCO Historic Photos
[11] Rogers builder list, Railroad History [R&LHS] No. 167, Autumn 1992
[12] Rogers builder list, Railroad History [R&LHS] No. 167, Autumn 1992; Rogers builder list, ALCO Historic Photos
[13] Poor’s Manual of Railroads
[14] Photocopy of original invoice
[15] Sierra Ry collection, Bancroft Lib
[16] ICC Valuation field notes, Sierra Ry as of June 30, 1917, entered with a question mark after year – “1896?”
[17] Incorporation papers, Califonria State Archives
[18] California Railroad Commission Valuation field notes, Sierra Ry March 1913
[19] Mother Lode Magnet, Jamestown, April 28, 1897
[20] Dorothy Newell Deane, Sierra Railway
[21] Sierra Ry depreciation record in 1934
[22] Sierra Ry employee timetables
[23] Sierra Ry collection, Bancroft Lib, Box 3, Bills & Receipts
[24] Sierra Ry collection, Bancroft Lib, Box 3, Bills & Receipts
[25] Sierra Ry collection, Bancroft Lib, Box 3, Bills & Receipts
[26] Stephen E. Drew note 5/5/1990
[27] Sierra Ry collection, Bancroft Lib, Box 3, Bills & Receipts
[28] Stephen E. Drew Sierra roster, 1977
[29] Dorothy Newell Deane, Sierra Railway; Union Democrat of Sonora, Feb 19 or 20, 1898; Sierra Ry collection, Bancroft Lib, Box 4, Directors’ Meeting Minutes book, March 14, 1898; photos of wreck
[30] Calif. RR Commission Annual Report, Sierra Ry, for year ending June 30, 1898
[31] Banner, Sonora, Oct 6, 1899; Union Democrat, Sonora, [date?]; photo of derailment
[32] ICC Valuation field notes, Sierra Ry as of June 30, 1916; Stephen E. Drew note 5/5/1990
[33] Banner, Sonora, May 11, 1900
[34] SP invoice, dated May 18, 1900
[35] Calif. RR Commission Annual Report, Sierra Ry, for year ending June 30, 1900
[36] Interstate Commerce Commission Annual Report, Sierra Ry, for year ending June 30, 1900. Same reported in supplementary letter informing on 1900 ICC Report, letter dated March 21, 1901
[37] Interstate Commerce Commission Annual Report, Sierra Ry, for year ending June 30, 1901
[38] Stephen E. Drew note 5/5/1990
[39] Interstate Commerce Commission Annual Report, Sierra Ry, for year ending June 30, 1902, filed Dec 27, 1902
[40] Dorothy Newell Deane, Sierra Railway.
[41] Letter dated March 20, 1905 from S. D. Woods (Sierra Ry attorney) to S.D. Freshman regarding the June 1904 wreck, in Ron Core coll.
[42] Sierra Ry collection, Bancroft Lib, correspondence file
[43] Monthly maintenance reports, Sierra Ry coll, CSRM
[44] Monthly maintenance reports, Sierra Ry coll, CSRM
[45] Monthly maintenance reports, Sierra Ry coll, CSRM
[46] Banner, Sonora, Feb 7, 1908; ICC Valuation field notes, Sierra Ry as of June 30, 1916.
[47] Monthly maintenance reports, Sierra Ry coll, CSRM
[48] Monthly maintenance reports, Sierra Ry coll, CSRM
[49] Monthly maintenance reports, Sierra Ry coll, CSRM
[50] Sierra Ry collection, Bancroft Lib
[51] Sierra Ry collection, Bancroft Lib, correspondence file
[52] California Railroad Commission Valuation field notes, Sierra Ry March 1913
[53] Circular sent this date by Special Committee of Relations of Railway Operation to Legislation.
[54] ICC Valuation field notes, Sierra Ry as of June 30, 1916
[55] Sierra Ry collection, Bancroft Lib
[56] Sierra Ry collection, Bancroft Lib
[57] ICC Valuation field notes, Sierra Ry as of June 30, 1916
[58] Sierra Ry collection, Bancroft Lib, Box 3, Equipment Rosters & Loco Specs, w/updates, May 1917 – June 1927 ICC reports
[59] SRy 1934 depreciation record, CSRM coll
[60] The Banner, Sonora, Nov 29, 1918; Manny Marshall in Railtown Turntable, Sept 1990; photos of wreck
[61] SRy 1934 depreciation record, CSRM coll
[62] The Banner, Sonora, May 30, 1919, also The Banner of May 23, 1919
[63] Photo of #3 in a lobby card for the movie
[64] Sierra Ry collection, Bancroft Lib
[65] SRy 1934 depreciation record, CSRM coll
[66] ICC form and drawing, Alteration Report for Locomotive Boilers, original in charles Givens coll, photocopy in CSRM coll
[67] Sierra Ry collection, Bancroft Lib
[68] Sierra Ry collection, Bancroft Lib
[69] Sierra Ry collection, Bancroft Lib
[70] Larry Jensen, The Movie Railroads
[71] Larry Jensen, The Movie Railroads
[72] Dorothy Newell Deane, Sierra Railway
[73] Stephen E. Drew Sierra roster, 1977; Larry Jensen Sierra Ry booklet
[74] Kyle Wyatt Master’s Thesis Railroads in Tuolumne County, 1897-1917
[75] Kyle Wyatt Master’s Thesis Railroads in Tuolumne County, 1897-1917
[76] Larry Jensen, The Movie Railroads
[77] Western Railroader, Jan 1947 issue
[78] Western Railroader, June 1947 issue
[79] Larry Jensen, The Movie Railroads
[80] Larry Jensen, The Movie Railroads
[81] Larry Jensen, The Movie Railroads
[82] Larry Jensen, The Movie Railroads
[83] Larry Jensen, The Movie Railroads
[84] Larry Jensen, The Movie Railroads
[85] Stephen E. Drew note 5/5/1990
[86] California State Parks records.
