My uncle worked for the GN than BN out of Breckenridge, MN until retirement in the early 90’s. He passed away three years ago, and I’m wondering if anyone could give me any clues as to what steam power was frequently used in eastern North Dakota? I have only one piece of evidence. A black and white taken by my father in 55’ of 2552, an S1 class 4-8-4 in the Breckenridge yard. I appreciate any info. from you GN fans.
Thanks,
Greg
Also try the GN historical society. I would assume that just about any loco GN had would be there ( except the articulateds? but I am guessing) Good luck
I know for sure that a lot of GN steam locos were used in eastern Dakota during the last days of steam. Q-1 and Q-2 Santa Fe´s were very active there as well as P-2 Mountains, O-8 Mikados and S-1 Northerns. And the most famous steam loco which was placed in service there till the very end of GN steam, was the very last GN articulated which had survived up until then: It was the monstrous R-2 class 2-8-8-2 #2053, which exclusively ran between Grand Forks and Devils Lake. I have following pictures at home:
2 photos of the Q-2 2-10-2 #2186, one time rolling south near Breckenridge in August 1956, and another time leaving Moorehead on a cold October day in 1956
P-2 4-8-2 #2525 near Avon, Minnesota in 1956
O-8 2-8-2 #3388 with a 109 car freight train near Buxton in 1956
S-1 4-8-4 #2551 at Larimore on the way from Grand Forks to Devils Lake in 1956
and finally 2 photos of the R-2 2-8-8-2 #2053, between Grand Forks and Devils Lake in the summer of 1956
All pictures are black and white. If you would like to have those photos, just give me a sign. Then I will try to ask a friend of mine for his digicam, so that i can send them to you via e-mail.
DeLuxe is absolutely correct. As well as those mentioned, it might have been
possible to catch one of the last surviving F-8 class Consolidations. As far as your
photos are concerned, DeLuxe, I am sure that the GNRHS would be interested
in them (as well as I am). I visited Breckenridge this past July with the GNRHS
convention and really found it interesting.
Thank you all for the info.! I would absolutely be interested in the pics!!! I lived in Sauk Centre for 7 years prior to moving to Reno. Drove through Avon everyday commuting to work. I last visited Breckenridge in January of 03 when for my uncles funeral. Got some great pics of the GN depot, caboose, roundhouse… and the RRV RR that now occupies the place. Wi***hey would have parked an old steamer there in Breckenridge. It’s an under-rated GN town. IMHO.
You can send me the pics at gterhaar@coldspringgranite.com
Thanks,
Greg
Might check out these books: “Great Northern - Lines East” by Patrick C. Dorin and “Foundations of Empire - Great Northern in Minnesota” by John Luecke.
My goof friend Mr.Dorin’s book should be of great help.