Steam & Excursion > Illinois Central's Central False Start

The Illinois Central had been adding Mikados of the Harriman Standard design to the roster for six years when the railroad went to Alco for something bigger.

The result was the 2600 class 2-10-2, which would nominally make for better heavy duty freight power.  The folks in the motive power department were not as happy with the result as they had hoped, however.  After eight years, the 2600 class was swapped with the Central of Georgia for a number of 2-6-6-2 Mallets that C of G was less than thrilled with.  The C of G seems to have gotten the better end of the trade, as these 2-10-2s lasted late into the steam era on that road.  The Mallets saw use as hump engines and heavy switchers on the I.C., but they failed to survive the depression.  As for the 2607, she became Central of Georgia 777.

Moving on from the 2600s, the I.C. tried again in 1921 with a larger class of 2-10-2.  The 2900s we much more satisfactory, as 125 of the design were delivered by Lima through 1923.

The Illnois Central could hardly call any of these locomotives "Santa Fes," of course.  On the I.C., all these 2-10-2s were called "Centrals."

Mary McPherson
Dongola, IL
Diverging Clear Productions



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/28/25 08:22 by MaryMcPherson.

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MaryMcPherson Wrote:
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As for the 2607, she became Central of Georgia 777.

Here's a link to an Emil Albrecht shot of CofG 777 at Columbus GA in 1944:
https://donstrack.smugmug.com/UtahRails/Emil-Albrecht-Photos/1944-Columbus-Georgia/i-BnL4HxM/A

Looks like the CofG lengthened her tender.

mike woodruff
north platte ne



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/28/25 09:30 by swaool.

Thanks for the link to the photos. My father was a CofGA employee and I would like to see more of them.

Thanks.

Sam