Folsom Prison Locomotives
From: "Charlie Hopkins" TWINCOACH@aol.com
I am looking for information on the locomotives that at one were used in the prison to spot rail cars. Found one photo of ex. CP - SPCo. 4-6-0 Folsom Prison No. 1, an old SP oil burner, with lettering on cab and big 1 on the tender ... would very much like to know history of this Prison rail operation. ...
C.A. HOPKINS
COAST DIV.
posted from CPRR Discussion Group at 8:05 PM
8 Comments:
From: "Bill Anderson" bill@fedshra.org
We continue to seek information on the Folsom Prison Railroad.
Our Winter 2007 issue of the FEDS Newsletter has an article by a gentleman at Folsom Prison who sought our help in writing his article. The article was also printed in the June/July 2004 issue of Engineers & Engines magazine.
—Bill Anderson, Folsom, El Dorado & Sacramento Historical Railroad Association
From: kylewyatt@aol.com
I pulled together the following from several sources, including the referenced NG&SL Gazette article (see below), info on the ALCo 0-4-0T from the web, and research by Wendell Huffman, including material on the first Folsom Prison loco in the Compendium Companion.
—Kyle Wyatt
-----------------------------------------
Folsom Prison Locos
There were several steam locos at Folsom Prison.
First was the former Sacramento Valley 4-4-0 #2 beginning in 1889.
Next was former Central Pacific 4-4-0 #124, later #1212 from 1900 to 1905.
Next as former Central Pacific 4-6-0 #6, later #2000 from 1905 to 1908.
Then former Southern Pacific 4-6-0 #140, later 2066 briefly in 1909, returned as unfit.
Then former Southern Pacific 4-6-0 #156, later 2083 beginning in 1909.
Here is info on what I believe was the last Folsom Prison steamer — a stock ALCo 0-4-0T purchased in 1926, and still in existence.
Folsom Prison 0-4-0T
Henry J. Kaiser Co. No. 1 Willits, CA
Wheels: 0-4-0T
Builder: Alco (Cooke)
Build Date: 02/1926
Construction No.: 66311
Empty Weight: 65,000
Weight on Drivers: 65,000
Driver Diameter: 36
Tractive Effort: 14,365
Boiler Pressure: 180
Cylinders: 13x20
Fuel: Oil
Gauge: Standard
Date Action Description
Built For: Stock
[02/1926] Sold: State of California Purchasing Office (Folsom Prison #1) at Folsom, CA
[Unknown] Sold: Bechtel Kaiser Rock Co. #1 at Oroville, CA
[Unknown] Corp. Sale: Henry J. Kaiser Co. #1
[01/1963] Sold: Bert Rudolph
[?] sold ? – at Roots of Motive Power
Here are the notes for Henry J. Kaiser Co. No. 1, a 0-4-0T located in Willits, CA
Posted: 2006-01-15 22:26:10.72 by George S.
The "Alco-Cooke Construction Number List" indicates that Construction Numbers 66310 through 66314, were built for Stock, to be sold at a later date. This unit (Construction Number 66311, Road Number 1) was shipped to the "Folsom State Prison (California)" on November 12, 1926.
Finally in 1946 a surplus US Army 35 ton Plymouth was acquired, lasting until the railroad shut down about 1961. The ALCo 0-4-0T was sold in the early 1950s when it was apparent the Plymouth could handle all traffic.
There was an article on the Folsom Prison line in the May/June 191 issue of the NG&SL Gazette – although the author mistakes the identity of the former Sacramento Valley engine.
—Kyle
The rails the Folsom Prison railroad ran on appear to be RIC 68, as the the Folsom Prison rail
and the RIC 68 rail are exactly identical. G J Graves, NewCastle.
Hello! I'm obsessed with the 1926 Alco 0-4-0T #1. Are there any photos of it from Folsom Prison or builders photos etc? Thanks!
From: "Bill Anderson" bill@fedshra.org
The last time I saw ALCO 0-4-0T #1, the last steam locomotive to operate at Folsom Prison, was in a barn along the Sacramento River South of Sacramento.
This photo, stripped of her saddle tank. The tank lies in blackberry bushes outside the barn.
—Bill Anderson, Folsom Railroad Museum
Hello Bill! My name is Hayden Seybold, a 16 year old living in Santa Clarita California and my life goal is to someday own the Folsom Prison #1.
I've been in love with the 1926 Alco for the last 2 years. I've found 2 photos of her at Folsom Prison, and 3 while at the Henry J Kaiser Rock company.
The 30 ton oil burner sure gets my gears going.
I have Bob Kirtlands phone number and I will start my relationship with the man soon as I stop being nervous.
Have you anymore photos of the #1 in Kirtlands barn? I'm building an HO model and that side shot really helped. Any of the tank or anything else at the old Silverbend? Thanks a bunch!
From: "Bill Anderson" bill@fedshra.org
Hi Hayden,
I've not seen the Prison Locomotive since my last post. The Alco should be made available for display to the public. It would be an international draw.
Folsom Prison is also wanting to restore and put it on display. Good luck on your quest. ...
—Bill
Well Bill I've got myself involved with many fellows who own their own standard gauge steam locomotives.
Stathi Pappas who owns a former sister of the Folsom #1, Santa Cruz Portland Cement #2 0-4-0.
John Manley who owns an SP 2-8-0 #2706.
And Skip Leicter, who owns the Saginaw Timber 2-8-2 #2.
I became friends with these guys so I could get inside information on what it's like to not only own but restore your own steam locomotive.
I've had my heart set on the FP #1 for the last 2 years and my goal would be to restore her to operation.
If I get the opportunity I'd wish to make a deal with your Railroad Museum and the prison that when operational I'd bring her back up to Folsom to operate a couple days out of the year.
I'm not some kid full of dreams. So much time has been spent learning the technical aspects of this locomotive and what to expect. I feel that with the right amount of time, and money, in the future I could achieve this goal
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