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Caption: A vintage, home built New York Central F-82 ten-wheeler is seen working the yard in Petrolia. The 4-6-0, built by the Michigan Central Railroad at the St. Thomas Shops in July 1900 as MCR 449, later MCRR 8152 (1905), NYC 880 (1936) and finally NYC 1290 (1947) had served as a passenger engine for many years until being bumped to way freight service on the St. Clair Branch. 1290 would make its last run on April 27, 1957.
The 66.38 mile St. Clair Subdivision was built from Courtright (mile 66.8) on the shore of the St. Clair River to St. Clair Junction (mile 4.23), the connection with the main CASO Division. Miles measured from St. Thomas. Originally laid down in 1873 by the Canada Southern Railway and opening in 1874 as a way for the CASO to access the oil deposits of Lambton County, the line connected communities including Alvinston, Oil City, Brigden, and Courtright, plus Petrolia via the Petrolia Spur. The 12.04 mile Petrolia spur branched north off the St. Clair Sub a couple miles west of Oil City, terminating in Petrolia eventually having a connection to the CNR, whose station (GWR) sits just 2 blocks to the east of this NYC shot. The 1290 is seen beside St. Paul's United Church (built 1899) at the corner of Petrolia Line and Albany Street. Albany Street would be built over the NYC right of way after its removal in the early '60s. After retirement of the ten wheelers in 1956 and 1957, service on the St. Clair Sub was carried out by a number of GP7s unttil abandonment on May 1, 1960.
More shots of 1290 courtesy of Canada Southern website which show the auxiliary tender better.
1290 on a passenger run.
1290 hauling freight.
Information per North American Railway Hall of Fame and the Canada Southern Railway website.
Richard R. Wallin Photo, Jacob Patterson Collection Slide.
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A wonderful, historic picture Jacob. Many of us were so busy chasing CNR and CPR 4-6-0’s and living a long way from Petrolia, paid no attention to NYC (MCRR) steam on the CASO and running out of St Thomas. I stumbled on a NYC 0-8-0 switching in St Thomas when riding/visiting the L&PS, did hear about these light weight NYC 4-6-0’s, but never chased after them much to my loss. Thanks for posting this picture of a very elegant, graceful ten- wheeler and the very informative and interesting caption. John
Thanks John, I was surprised to come across anything from this branch. Its impressive how long these engines held on for considering their fueling facilities were (mostly) removed. On the topic of L&PS I have some slides I think you’ll be interested in.
Also note the pole hung below the tender for use in poling cars.
Wow….I spent most of my childhood in Petrolia, and our family went to St. Paul’s United Church (early 80s). I love seeing and still learning of the history of the once important spur. Of note….on that site today, just to the left of the locomotive stood (and still might be?) The Oil Rig Restsurant. Apparently, I’ve seen photos and stories that the main part of the building is the old freight shed. Also, the former MCRR depot for Petrolia was relocated and split into two hoyses/cottages close by in/near Brights Grove.