Nice view of the St Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern 2-4-2 #5 taken by a photographer only known as "Jones" in 1989. The loco was built by H.K. Porter Locomotive Works in June of 1946 originally as Central Illinois Public Service 2-4-2T #5. The little loco worked from the CIPS until until 1963, when she was donated to the Mid-Continental Rail Museum. In 1971, #5 was purchased by the newly founded Crab Orchard and Egyptian, and after a brief overhaul, she was placed into excursion service taking passengers along their 8 mile stretch of track. After her first season of service, #5 was completely rebuilt and saddle tank removed. A man named Shelby Brown approached the CO&E in 1985 and offered to purchase the small locomotive. His offer was accepted, and Number 5 was sent to Jackson, Missouri on the newly founded St. Louis Iron Mountain and Southern Railway. #5 operated regularly on the Iron Mountain until 1999, when she was disassembled for the 15 year 1472 inspection. |