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| Title: |
NP 4-4-0 #684 - Northern Pacific |
| Description: |
Aft first glance, the 1953 date written on the back of this photo saken by L.A. Stucky seemed inconsistent until a little research shed light on this magnificent locomotive built by the New York Locomotive Works of Rome, NY in 1883. R. V. Nixon talks about 684: "The 684, [C]lass C-1, was built by the New York Locomotive Works and delivered to St. Paul the year the Northern Pacific was completed. It remained in main line passenger service for nearly 25 years and was then assigned to the Billings-Bridger passenger run. We who remember the bright red wheels, polished brass, clear-toned bell and peanut wagon whistle, can distinctly visualize the 684 starring in a Northern Pacific motion picture, along with the construction engine, Minnetonka." Nixon adds that 684 was apparently to be dismantled in 1925, but instead was overhauled and sold to the Nez Perce & Idaho as their #4."For years," Nixon continued, "the 4 spot worked the 13 miles between Craigmont and Nez Perce, Idaho. Then the inevitable happened and she was laid aside in favor of more modern power. At the time of Nixon's account she seemed to be rusting away. "But even in her disgrace she's still a proud, high-stepping beauty," he said hopefully, "and waiting only for someone to come to her rescue." And rescue they did. NP found her abandoned in a field in 1948. Read more about the fascinating history of this loco at the Bonanzaville RR Museumwebsite. (http://www.bonanzaville.org/collections-exhibits/village/railroad-museum). |
| Photo Date: |
5/1/1953 Upload Date: 6/7/2016 5:15:09 AM |
| Location: |
Seattle, WA |
| Author: |
Gary Everhart |
| Categories: |
Roster,Yard,Steam |
| Locomotives: |
NP 684(4-4-0) |
| Views: |
1494 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
NP 684 |
| Description: |
Little did I know when I peeked into the BN roundhouse in Auburn I'd find this in there. I was just a teenager with zero knowledge of steam power. Took this picture and just went on with my day. 37 years later as I was gathering information on this loco to post it here, I was astounded as to it's history. Built in 1883 by the Rome Locomotive Works in Rome NY. It was one of the first steam locomotives on the Northern Pacific. A Class C-1 4-4-0 standard one of only 11 built. As the story continues (check out this link) http://www.montana.edu/wwwmor/photoarc/nixon/nixon-loco/npl-12.html and this link http://www.montana.edu/wwwmor/photoarc/nixon/nixon-loco/npl-13.html After all that it hung out in various NP roundhouses in the Northwest (Yardley-Pasco-Auburn) for display and special occasions. It's resting spot these days is at "Bonanzaville" history museum complex in West Fargo ND. |
| Photo Date: |
6/30/1972 Upload Date: 11/14/2009 12:52:35 AM |
| Location: |
Auburn, WA |
| Author: |
S.L. Dixon |
| Categories: |
Roster,Yard,Steam |
| Locomotives: |
NP 684(4-4-0) |
| Views: |
760 Comments: 1 |
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