Hi, I’ve been thinking about wich RR to start, lately I’m been leaning towards the PRR but I still haven’t given up on Deadwood. Now, what trains and cars would you run on a 1891 Deadwood railroad? Any engine types and names would be greatly apreciated, the same for cars. Any links would be sweet as well.
Magnus
for locos… 2-6-0 (mogul) , 4-4-0 (american) , 4-6-0 (ten wheeler) , 2-8-0 (consolidation) would be the most popular , but others were around as well
this site is Santa Fe only , but has build dates so can be used as a general reference http://atsf.railfan.net/atsfstea.html
cars… 36 feet long or shorter , with truss rods
this site has massive amounts of info http://www.steamfreightcars.com/
According to Railroads of the Black Hills (Superior Publishing Co, 1964-long out of print,) Deadwood had several different rail connections, standard and narrow gauge. While the book describes the entire area, most of the loco and rolling stock photos are of equipment that made its way to Deadwood at one time or another. There are also some good photos of area mining and refining facilities.
The Deadwood Central (36" gauge) had a rather interesting Baldwin (class of '97) 2-8-0T side-tank loco with a REALLY tall smokestack and outside frames. Picture is on pg 67 of the book.
There was also an interurban trolley line connecting Deadwood and Lead. I’m not sure exactly when it went into service.
If you’re willing to slip your time to the 1905-1910 era, the CB&Q served Deadwood from Edgemont with a couple of impressive 2-6-6-2 Mallets. Most of the earlier power was still around - the Deadwood Central narrow gauge survived into the early '20’s. The Edgemont line survived into the '60’s, with diseasels.
I vaguely recall a John Armstrong track plan with a Deadwood theme. Someone else might have more information on that.
Chuck (former Rapid City resident)