Steam & Excursion > So Many Railroads Followed The Practices That We See Here!

This fine photo taken in April of 1961, of MacMillan Bloedel LTD 2-6-2 #1077 shows us some common practices followed by so many railroads over the decades.

First and foremost, we see that the railroad itself has been locate to follow the Powell River on Vancouver Island we see in the background.  This was a strategic decision made by the engineers who laid out so many railroads back in the day.  By following the river the line would automatically have a gentle grade profile which was always important in designing any railroad.

Next, we see that the locomotive has been placed on the downhill end of the train of loaded log cars.  This positioning of the locomotive gives the engineer the greatest control on braking as the train descends the grade.  The fact that the locomotive is facing backwards may be as a result of no turning facility in the woods, but may also be intentional so that the water in the boiler is always over the firebox at the back of the boiler.

And beyond these details, this is simply a stunning photo of a steam powered log train at work!

Martin



Edited 5 time(s). Last edit at 06/30/20 08:00 by LoggerHogger.

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Where exactly is this? Brittish Columbia? Vancouver Island?

Is this the locomotive that is now at Fort Steele, BC?

Jonathan Fischer
West Seattle, WA



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/30/20 08:22 by JFArrFan.

JFArrFan Wrote:
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> Is this the locomotive that is now at Fort Steele,
> BC?

Yes, it is.

Martin