Southern Pacific 2355

Southern Pacific Railroad (SP) 2355 is one of 10 heavy 4-6-0 'Ten Wheel' steam locomotives built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1912, designated the T-31 class. 2355 was retired from service in 1957 and was converted to a static display at Pioneer Park in Mesa, Arizona.[5]

Southern Pacific 2355
Southern Pacific Railroad (SP) 2355
Type and origin
Power typeSteam
BuilderBaldwin Locomotive Works
Serial number38223
Build dateAugust 1912
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • Whyte4-6-0
Gauge4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Driver dia.63 in (1,600 mm)
Adhesive weight162,000 lb (73,000 kg)
Loco weight208,000 lb (94,350 kg)[1]
Fuel typefuel oil
Boiler pressure210 psi (1.4 MPa)
Cylinder size22 in × 28 in (560 mm × 710 mm)
Performance figures
Tractive effort38,400 lbf (170.81 kN)
Career
OperatorsSouthern Pacific Railroad
ClassT-31
Number in class10
Numbers2355
Delivered1912
Retired1957[2]
Current ownerCity of Mesa, Arizona
DispositionOn static display, Pioneer Park, Mesa, Arizona[3][4]
Southern Pacific Railroad (SP) 2355

The locomotive was fenced off for safety concerns in the 1990s.[6] Since 2008, efforts have been underway to relocate 2355 within Pioneer Park and perform cosmetic restoration.[7] Restoring the locomotive to a running state from its current condition is deemed to be cost-prohibitive.

Southern Pacific 2355 has one surviving sibling. Southern Pacific 2353 is on static display in Campo, California's Pacific Southwest Railway Museum.

Southern Pacific 2355 still sits where it was left in Pioneer Park. It was not relocated. The locomotive and tender have undergone a complete cosmetic restoration. Asbestos material and lead-based paint have been removed. Its paint was stripped completely using an environmentally-friendly blasting material. Polyurethane paint was applied and the train's electronics have been updated. Informational, interactive signage has been installed along with a completely new lighting arrangement. Cab control restorations continue. There also plans to mount plaques listing all the donors and persons helping with the train's restoration.

References
  1. Bailey, Douglas C. (2014). "Southern Pacific Locomotive #2355". steamlocomotive.info. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  2. "SP T-31 #2355, Mesa, AZ". rgusrail.com. 1 December 2013. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  3. Nelson, Gary (25 April 2013). "Mesa group seeking new era for old train". Arizona Republic. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  4. "Fundraiser slated for Pioneer Park locomotive". Arizona Republic. 21 October 2013. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  5. Miller, Nancy (2013). "SP2355 History". Save Our Train!. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  6. Nelson, Gary (4 March 2014). "Mesa's Pioneer Park makeover takes shape". Arizona Republic. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  7. Butler, Scott J (22 June 2009). City Council Report: Resolution of Support for a grant application from the Foundation for Mesa Parks & Recreation, Save Our Train Committee for a $50,000 request to the Gila River Indian Committee (PDF) (Report). City of Mesa, Arizona. Agenda Item 11e. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
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