Restoration of the Baldwin Locomotive No. 106
Be a part of history in the making. Follow the restoration of historic Locomotive No. 106 from its first day until its projected completion day in 2021
The 106 was built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia, Pa. in 1923 and is a Class 10 32 D 1303. The 106 has a 4-6-0-wheel arraignment commonly referred to as a “Ten Wheeler”. Total locomotive weight is 140,000 lb. Total locomotive and tender weight is 249,000 lb. Its 6 drive wheels are 52” in diameter and provide 27,700 lbs. of tractive force.
It is a superheated engine that is fired with oil. The cylinders have a 19” bore X 26” stroke and the boiler working pressure is 180 lbs. The Tender, which is directly behind the locomotive, carried 5,000 gallons of water and 2,200 gallons of oil for the boiler.
Locomotive No. 106 had set idle for 60 years since it had made its last run for the Crowell Lumber Company. Time and the elements had taken its toll on the 106. But in 2017 a dedicated team of volunteers lead my Mike Miller began the task of returning the 106 to its former glory.
From the beginning:
- In September of 2017, what started out as cleaning the graffiti off the locomotive and tender, evolved into a cosmetic restoration.
- Locomotive and tender were showing signs of deterioration from 60 years of exposure to the elements.
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As restoration began it was noted that all the crossties had rotted away, allowing the rails to sink into the ground. The locomotive was no longer being supported by the rails but had sunk into the ground and was resting on its undercarriage.
- Also noted was, the ground under the locomotive had cracks and crevasses as wide as 6 inches and up to 6 feet deep which caused a very unstable situation. It was then decided to stabilize the locomotive before restoration work could begin.
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A very generous donation from volunteer John Weiss allowed this process to begin.
- Eight cubic yards of grout was pumped into the crevasses under the locomotive to stabilize the ground.
- The locomotive and tender were lifted from the ground with the use of hydraulic jacks and the rails were lifted and blocked up back under the wheels of the 106.
- 100 feet of temporary track was laid in front of the 106 to allow it to be pulled out of its shed so further stabilization of the ground could take place.
- On October 13, 2018, the 106 was pulled out of its shed and onto the new laid track.
- It was the first time that the locomotive had moved in 60 years.
- Work then began on the old track in the shed. The old track, which was light weight 35# rail, was removed and the ground beneath was cleaned up, leveled, and further stabilized. New, treated crossties were installed with a heavier 60# rail placed on top of them.
- On November 30, 2018, the 106 was pulled back into its shed onto the new track. Restoration work could now begin.
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The cosmetic restoration involves removing all of the grease and grime that had accumulated on the locomotive during its 30 years of service on the Red River and Gulf railroad, plus removing or stabilizing all of the rust and rot that has occurred to it during the time it has sit idle for the last 60 years.
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The locomotive and tender will be restored to appear as it did when it was in service at the mill.
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When completed the 106 will provide an excellent backdrop for wedding and birthday photographs as well as a display for railfans and future generations to enjoy.