Does anyone know what type, length and width of wood was used for engines such as the General
and others during the Civil War?
Thanks!!!
Dave,
I read somewhere that they used mostly hardwoods when they could and avoided pine and other trees like them because of the high sap and turpentine content in the woods. I think it also said something about using approx 2’ sticks due to the clearances in the cabs and tenders. Wish I could remember the source so we both could verify it!
Roger
There’s a guy at the B&O Railroad museum in Baltimore who does wood work on equipment from that time period. In fact, he’s restoring the wood work on a civil war railroad crane at this time. Sorry I don’t remember his name, but I was just there a few weeks ago talking to him. If you contact the B&O Railroad Museun and ask, I’m sure they can connect you to the person I’m talking about. He will be able to answer your question. Good Luck.
It would have to be small enough to be able to go in the firebox easily (couldn’t be too long) and it had to be small enough that the fireman could lift it by himself one at a time. I’m thinking of Buster Keaton’s movie “The General” (filmed in Oregon on a logging RR) and the wood he was using on the engine would be about the size you’d use in your fireplace; maybe 6" diameter and about 24-30" long.
Sounds about right. I was thinking about the same movie.