hist_905

The 905 1910 - 1954

Built for the Rock Island Railroad in July 1910, by the American Locomotive Company, Schenectady, New York.

Builders number: 48122 was numbered 905 by the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific. She is a 4-6-2, Pacific 33.

Empty Weight:
Weight on driver:
Driver Diameter:
Tractive Effort:
Boiler Pressure:
Cylinders:
Fuel:
Tender Capacity:

Gauge:

240,000 lbs.
155,000 lbs.
74 inches
32,850 lbs.
185 psi.
25.5 x 28 in.
Coal
16 Tons Coal
10,000 Gal. Water
4 ft. 8 1/2 in.

The Pacific Class 33, 4-6-2 Steam Locomotive was the predominant Passenger Train Locomotive in America during the first fifty years of the twentieth century. The four wheel leading truck provided stability at higher speed, six driving wheels allowed the application of more power, and the two wheel trailing truck permitted the fire box to be behind the high driving wheels, allowing it to be both wide and deep. The average speed for this Locomotive was 60 to 70 miles per hour, with the ability to reach up to 100 miles per hour.

905 at Fairbury, Nebraska, 1914, photo from Rod Wylie Collection, courtest Jim Reisdorff

The first picture of the 905 we have to date was taken in 1914 at Fairbury, Nebraska. It is easy to see why it has been described as a “beautifully balanced locomotive.”

The 905 in Waurika, Oklahoma, mid 1940s, photo by Moon Mullins, courtesy Ed Birch

In the mid 1940s this picture of the 905 arriving in Waruika, Oklahoma with a load of passengers from Chickasha and points north, was taken by Rock Island employee, Moon Mullins.

Mr. Mullins was a brakeman, fireman, and engineer during his career which began in 1944 with the Rock Island.

In 1950, J.T. Keener, a Rock Island Employee, worked as Fireman (and later as engineer) on the 905. Leaving El Reno for stops west and south including Duncan. The 905 provided passenger service for the service men stationed at Fort Sill and in Wichita Falls, Texas.

It was not used as a "troop train" but as passenger service for the area.

Mr. Keener lived in El Reno, then moved to Chickasha and later to Duncan.

These inspection reports were found in a burned down barn outside of Duncan, Oklahoma. Evidently they were removed from the 905 when she was set in Fuqua Park in December 1954. They were donated by Clay King, son of Clifford King.

Other Inspection Reports

These reports show that by December, 1950 the 905 was in Burr Oak, Illinois, out of service for repairs.

The 905 was working in the Rock Island Yard at Blue Island, Illinois in 1953.

August 1954 finds the 905, 887 and 938 locomotives in the scrap yard at Blue Island. The 5104 and 5013 were destroyed. The three remaining Rock Island 4-6-2s were given to Peoria, Illinois (886/887), Enid (938) and Duncan, Oklahoma (905). Note that the 905 had been cannibalized. Her bell and headlight are missing.