Laurinburg & Southern 4-6-0 "Ten-Wheeler" Locomotives in the USA

Class 653 (Locobase 13567)

Data from Baldwin Locomotive Works Specification for Engines as digitized by the DeGolyer Library of Southern Methodist University Volume 34, p. 203. Baldwin works number was 34904 in July 1910 and 36572 in May 1911.

The L&S was incorporated in 1909 and built an 18-mile main line from Johns to Wagram, North Carolina. In 1921, the Aberdeen & Rockfish sold its Raeford-Wagram segment to the L&S.

The L&S used 56-lb/yard (28-kg/metre) rail, which determined the size of this light Ten-wheeler. It was a design that was as close to stock as a capital-equipment manufacturer would have. A planned sister was diverted to the South Georgia & West Coast as a third member of an identical class (Locobase 13568). Her place was taken almost immediately by the 654 bought by the Atlantic Coast Line and delivered in May.

After more than 30 years of service, the 653 was scrapped in January 1942. 654 served throughout World War II and was scrapped in October 1947.

Class 655 (Locobase 14950)

Data from Baldwin Locomotive Works Specification for Engines as digitized by the DeGolyer Library of Southern Methodist University Volume 65, p. 180. Baldwin works number was 55274 in January 1922.

The L&S was a South Carolina short line that bought two Ten-wheelers from Baldwin in 1910-1911 (Locobase 13567). Ten years later in November 1921, the railroad returned to Eddystone to order a near duplicate. Still constrained by axle loadings (rail weight was still 56 lb/yard or 28 kg/metre), the L&S reused the power dimensions and held the weight to nearly the same figures. But its boiler now held 30 fewer tubes and its shallower firebox had a 26% larger grate.

In May 1946, the L&S sold the 555 to the Carolina Southern of Ahoskie, NC, as their 104.