4-6-2 "Pacific" Steam Locomotives in the USA

Class 110 (Locobase 5134)

Data from DeGolyer, Volume 41, pp. 139+; and [] (August 2002). Works number was 37303 in November 1911.

The site explains that the low drivers and short wheelbase were a specification of the railroad's superintendent. He wanted to ensure that the LRRR's passenger hauler could operate up the steep grades and around the tight curves of this Tennessee railroad. Maximum grade was 2 1/2% combined with curves of 30 degrees radius. Baldwin's specs account for the relatively large grate by characterizing it as suitable for burning the 110's "Poor quality bituminous coal." C L Fry reported a new requirement on 6 January 1912, just a few weeks after service entry when he recommended a blower pipe on each side of the ash pan to clean the upper slope, presumably because the low volatility of the coal meant unusually heavy amounts of ash and cinders were left behind during fuel consumption.

The 110's backbone was to consist of frames with "extra heavy section." Note also that the 110 was not superheated and did not have a brick arch.

Adopted as a "pet" by the owner's wife (Margaret Townsend), the pint-sized Pacific became the symbol of the railroad.

[] (August 2002) notes that the area's scenic beauty was quite a draw: "Many of [the people in the region] journeyed by train to Elkmont to view the sights. In the early years, a trip up the Little River gorge became so popular with church, club, school and family groups that the Little River Railroad inaugurated the "Elkmont Special" operating from Knoxville over the Southern's tracks to Walland ... Advertised stops were at Maryville, Walland, Kinzel Springs, Townsend, Line Springs, Wonderland Park, and Elkmont."

The history adds that $1.90 often bought more than the rider might have bargained for as "slides, washouts, and errant cows often added stops not on the schedule."

Most of the passengers took all of the drama with grace and eagerly rode on flat cars that had been "modified into open-seated vehicles, with the designation "Observation Car" gaily painted on the sides."

Sometime after Margaret Townsend's death (the Pacific was used to haul her funeral train), the Little River reverted to its logging-road profile. The last train (pulled by #110) left the mountains in December 1938.

The Smoky Mountain Railroad bought the #110 in 1940 and pulled freight trains until it once again headed up the last steam run in December 1954.

#110's age meant increasing unreliability and it was eventually sidelined on the Smoky, where preemptive salvors stripped the derelict of much of its hardware. Still, enough of the original engine remained for Terry Bloom to want to buy in 1972. Restoration began that year and led to its operation in 1976. Although subject to additional ups and downs, #110 remained in regular tourist service for the Little River Railroad of White Pigeon, Michigan well into the 21st century and celebrated its centennial in 2011.