Fwd: B&LE H-Class Texan Tenders sold to the N&W for conversion

[NW Mailing List]

Hi everyone. 

This weekend, I attended a talk in Meadville, PA, this weekend covering a heavy mountain railroading section of (of all things) the LS&MS railroad. The presenter, Vince Skibo, also had a few slides at the end of his presentation requesting information for upcoming research projects, one being the B&LE tenders that were sold to the N&W. He also asked if anyone was a member of the N&WHS. As I was the sole hand-raiser, he asked if I would be willing to stir this particular pot for him.

His question is below.  If anyone can provide additional facts, historical context, or pointers to past discussion, I’ll pass it along to Vince.

Matt Goodman

> 
> Hi Matt,
>  
> For some time now I have had an interest in how steam locomotive tenders have been repurposed by various roads.  This started when my friend Nate and I became involved in an 11th hour rescue from the scrapper’s torch of the trucks from a NYCS Mohawk tender that had been converted into a shop flat for a local factory.  Gladly, that pair of 6-wheel trucks and the brake cylinder are now safely at the Age of Steam Museum in Sugarcreek. 
>  
> Then this past year while conducting research through issues of the Bessemer & Lake Erie RR’s company magazines “Bessemer Bulletin”, I ran across the below attached excerpt from the September 1953 Issue #83.
>  
> Since the recent movement of the surviving B&LE 2-10-4 Texan to the Age of Steam Museum has sparked so much enthusiasm , I feel that this is something that needs further investigation.
>  
> I am looking to determine the fate of the 9 B&LE H-class tenders that were sold to the N&W in 1953.  Were they in fact converted to Auxiliary Water Cars by the N&W and if so what were they numbered?  What were their assignments?  When were they scrapped?  Did any survive?
>  
> If there is a survivor, It would be essential that the folks at the Age of Steam be notified to say the least, as it would be a suitable companion for the surviving B&LE H1g #643.
>  
> If you know anyone with N&W expertise that may be able to help answer the questions that I pose regarding the conversion of these B&LE tenders by the N&W, please pass this email along.  I have a serious interest in uncovering more about this entire and somewhat forgotten episode in railroad history.
>  
> Sincerely,
>  
> Vinson Skibo
>  

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