Klondike Mines 2-6-2 "Prairie" Locomotives in the USA

Class 4 (Locobase 12500)

Data from Baldwin Locomotive Works Specification for Engines as digitized by the DeGolyer Library of Southern Methodist University Volume 39, p. 321. See also Ron Simpson's Klondike Mines Railway site at []; and "Colorado Zephyr's" email to steamlocomotive.com, 24 February 2017. (Thanks to Lawrence Gueller for his 4 April 2018 updates on the 4.) Works number was 37564 in March 1912,.

Baldwin's specs showed some of the conditions under which the engine would operated. . The fuel was described as coal of "poor quality that clinkers and cakes". Rail weight was limited to 45 lb/yd (22.5 kg/m), maximum grade amounted to 4%, and curves could bend to 35 degrees.

The 4 had only a short career on the KMR because the road closed nine months after it was delivered. Apparently stored unused for three decades (yes, 30 years!), the 4 entered a new life on the White Pass & Yukon and operated for 10 years before it was retired. Years later, the 4 was renamed "Hooterville Cannonball".

For some time, the HC rested in storage in Adair, Okla.

Colorado Zephyr updated Wes Barris' steamlocomotive.com and Locobase in February 2017 as follows: "Purchased by Dr. Charles O. Brantigan MD on behalf of South Park Rail Society, Como, Colorado.

"He [Dr Brantigan] moved #4 from Georgetown Loop RR at Silver Plume, CO, to Wasatch Railroad Contractors, Cheyenne, WY, February 21, 2017. Number 4 will receive maintenance early 2017. Plan is to move summer 2017 number 4 to Como, Colorado, for limited operation on rebuilt Denver, South Park & Pacific RR right of way and Como roundhouse."

The email referred readers to the southparkrail.com, which offered links to several Facebook pages for updates.