0-8-0 Whitcomb Box Cab

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

Reading an old magazine, came upon photo of the above locomotive #502. From the Texas-Mexican Railway. Does anyone have any information on the manufacturer of this loco? It is really a great looking engine for a box-cab, I can’t find one bit of info on the internet, any help out there?

2

Can’t help with the precise history of the company but Whitcombe were a company who manufactured some pioneering diesel switchers - along the same lines as Plymouth.

Much of Whitcombe’s output was requisitioned by USRA, and there are reputed to be at least 3 existing machines in Italy, having been brought over to rehabilate their war damaged system.

I seem to recall a Gil Reid sketch of a Whitcombe in France during the latter years of WWII.

3

You should be able to find at least some of the info. you’re looking
for in Kalmbach’s “Diesel Spotters Guide” (original) and also in the
magazine/book “Diesel Victory”.
Tex-Mex 501-507 were Whitcombs,picture of 502 is in the “Diesel Spotters
Guide”.

4

There is a page of information abouty them in The Second Diesel Spotters Guide.In 1939 Whitcomb built 501-507 for the T-M.Each unit weighed 71 tons ,had Westinghouse electrical equipment,and had a 660 hp De La Vergne VO engine.Most of them were converted to end cab switchers.

5

Hi Tatans,

Thinking of building this Boxcab for my On30 layout. Do you know anyone out there that might have a scale drawing or more photos,

Dave

6

Dave - Welcome to trains.com! [C):-)]

7

David A. and others:

David since you do not indicate where you are located, will mention a couple of locations where Whitcombs are preserved:

There is a double trucked Whitcomb at the Park in Rochelle IL, the following is a link to a site with a photo:

http://www.railpictures.net/showphotos.php?offset=15&where=|Whitcomb+45+ton|||||||1||||||||Whitcomb+45+ton||||||||||||||||||||||||

Photo linked of one of seven Whitcombs bought by Texas-Mexican Rwy in 1939:

http://www.railpictures.net/showphotos.php?railroad=Texas%20Mexican%20Railway

here is a link to the Wikipedia site on Whitcomb Locomotive Co, If you scroll down there is a picture of a double trucked Whitcomb owned by the WK&S Railroad in the Allentown Pa. area. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitcomb_Locomotive_Works