Louisiana & Arkansas Railway 4-6-0 No. 509
Cookeville, TN, United States
Location: Depot
Status: Display
Posted: Jun 9, 2006 @ 10:06:45 by Larry Spreckelmeier

Adding to the 509 history detail:

The engine was built as saturated steam and coal fired.  As a result of oil discovery in Texas and Louisiana during the 1920's she was converted to oil.  The engine was also converted to superheated steam and renumbered to 509 in 1928 at the L&A Minden, LA shop.

In 1936 she was involved in a head-on near Georgetown, LA killing the engineer, fireman and traveling armed guard.  The current tender is a result of using one from a larger locomotive.

The boiler was retubed ( 2" tubes and 5-1/2" superheater flues) and converted back to coal at Brookville, IN during 1976~78.  Hydro tested to 225 and test fired to 180 psi in 1978.

 


Posted: Dec 2, 2003 @ 14:12:59 by Brian Allison

Hello, My name is Brian I'm from Jena, La. I have been doing research on the Louisiana Midland railroad.   509 was involved in a head-on collision with another train two miles east of Georgetown, La. on Nov. 9, 1936 four men were killed.  Both locomotive's were derailed but remained upright with their front ends caved in, frames broken, and pilot beams torn off.  I wrote an article on the wreak giving details of what happen that tragic day. If you would like a copy please e-mail me at LaMidlandrr@yahoo.com.

                                         Brian Allison 


Posted: Feb 26, 2003 @ 15:02:12 by james copeland
We are currently in the process of cosemitically restoring the outside apperance of 509