Mammoth Cave 0-4-2 Locomotives in the USA

Class Hercules (Locobase 13288)

Data from Baldwin Locomotive Works Specification for Engines as digitized by the DeGolyer Library of Southern Methodist University, Volume 32, p. 10. See also the National Park Service account at [], last accessed 21 October 2011. Works number was 33075 in December 1908.

This rear-tank engine repeated the design of the quartet of steam dummies that operated between Atlanta and Decatur for the Metropolitan Railway. Hercules was used to pull one or two cars (75-80 short tons) up a 3 1/2% grade and around 14- and 17-degree curves (82- and 68-metres/269- and 223-ft radii, respectively). Such was the route between Bell's Station (then the Louisville & Nashvile's Glasgow Junction) to the Mammoth Cave Hotel. The big attraction, of course, was the vast complex of underground connections, estimated to amount to the greatest underground mileage in the world at 392 miles.

The railroad opened in November 1886. According to the NPS: "Although functional, the rail service on this line seems to have inspired some skepticism on the part of travelers following the rugged line around curves and over trestles through rough country. One passenger, in 1907, described the line as 'two streaks of rust' with grass growing in between. The same writer recounts that the conductor pointed out: 'You notice that we have our cowcatcher on the rear end, so as to keep the cows out of the ladies' coach. Why, a bull got after us last week and would have ketched us, too, if we hadn't been on the down grade!'"

Although the L & N took over management, competition from automobiles steadily eroded ridership. In 1928, the railroad was sold to new owners who decided to close the line and sell off the assets in 1931.