Steam & Excursion > Wes Camp and 759

I got an email from Rich Melvin this morning:

"Mary,

I was looking through some old files on my computer and ran across the attached image. It is from page 94 in my 765 book.

Given that we just lost Wes Camp, the thought occurred to me that some on trainorders.com might enjoy seeing this reminder of his career with Ross and the 759."

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The text of the page reads:

Nickel Plate Berk No. 759 was a popular fan trip engine in the 1960s and 70s. In September, 1970, she ran several trips on Penn Central between Altoona and Pittsburgh. The high point on this route is the Pennsylvania Railroad’s famous Horseshoe Curve. The curve allowed the railroad to ease the grade by gaining more running length as the railroad climbed eastern face of the Allegheny Mountains. However, the grade is still an obstacle, at 1.7 percent on a nine-degree curve.

When Ross Rowland, founder of the High Iron Company, and Wes Camp, the Chief Mechanical Officer on the 759 crew, began to plan these excursion operations, the local Penn Central operating men were skeptical that the 759 could handle fifteen cars up the grade and around the curve all by herself. Ross Rowland tells the story this way:

“The General Superintendent of the railroad…was so convinced that the 759 couldn't take that train up and around the curve without help that he…put together a pool of $1,000 and bet me she’d stall before she reached the tunnel. We both put our money in an envelope and gave it to the V.P. of Operations. He gave me the envelope when we returned to Altoona after coming down the hill. I must add he was a good sport about it and made a point of coming up to me and congratulating the crew on a fine job...”

But Wes Camp took the wager one step further. He told the PC men that not only could the 759 pull the train up the hill unassisted but that he would have the pop valve lifted at the apex of Horseshoe Curve! Of course, the Penn Central guys thought he was crazy.

Take a close look at John B. Corns’ absolutely stunning picture at the left. The 759 is at the apex of Horseshoe Curve. There are fifteen coaches behind her. The throttle is wide open. The reverse gear is all the way forward, down in the corner. The sanders are on. Two of the three pop valves are lifted! She’s sluggin’ it out at 12 mph. And she didn't stall.

Don’t ever bet against Lima Super Power!

Mary McPherson
Dongola, IL
Diverging Clear Productions



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 05/10/25 06:35 by MaryMcPherson.

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Contemporary railroad folks greatly underestimate what steam locomotives can do.
In my days of running 1522 I've had more than one pilot engineer or road foreman doubting our engine.
One pilot told me leaving N. St. Louis for Hannibal I'd better get a run for the grade a couple miles outo f the yard. I was cruising along at 40mph and finally asked him when do I have to take a run for it. He said you topped a mile ago. He was amazed.
My first time running on the main was eastbound out of Newburg, MO up Rolla Hill the rulig grade. Looking at an old employee timetable at our tonnage rating by at least 200 tons. Had a mile to make a run for it and was at track speed, 35mph, at the foot of the grade. 1522 finally settled in at 13mph and stayed there until we crested. The noise was deafening. In the corner, sanders going, booster idling but not needed.
That engine was a real "digger". Very sure footed and worked down to a stall more than once without siipping.
759 also proved they aren't just wheezing antiques and made us proud. Is there video of her on Horseshoe?

Thanks Mary for rekindling that wonderful experience. Yes, the 759 hauled that train up the mountain in grand style ( with NO DIESEL(s) ) in the consist. Never slipped a single beat the whole way up at a steady 12 mph.  A fine locomotive and a great memory.  Onward & Upward, Ross Rowland

Frisco1522 Wrote:
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> Is there video of her on Horseshoe?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IInr1rYogI

Silent, so you have to use your imagination.

Mary McPherson
Dongola, IL
Diverging Clear Productions

My photo of the Golden Spike train 759 arrived at the east end of the Cleveland Union Terminal on May 9, 1969, with Wes Camp in the gangway and a N&W Road Foreman in the fireman's seat.  I was able to share prints of this photo with both Wes and the Road Foreman.  

 

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Mary the story about 759 pulling up a stiff grade reminded me one a similiar one regarding x-T&P 610.  One official of the Southern ordered two F units added to an excursion train for fear 610 alone could not pull the tonnage up a stiff grade.  A higher up official  ordered that the diesels NOT BE MANNED.   610 blasted up hill with the whole train and diesels all on its on.  More proof of Lima super power conquering tough grades  .You just had to know how to run them.

Wes and I had talked of traveling to Steamtown and Wes telling the story of returning 759 to service.  Alas life slips by.  We would sit at breakfast and Wes would just rattle off stories from the cab.  I wish I would have turned on a recorder.

Mary Great story about Wes!

Jim Baker
Riverside, CA

Speaking of Rich Melvin, head over to YouTube and search his name, you’ll find a video about 765 and Attica Hill that fits right in with this topic

Wes must have marveled over that situation until the day he died.

Victor Baird