City Holds Dedication Ceremony for Restored Train

The crowd couldn't wait to climb on the restored engine!

The City of Warren held a dedication of restored locomotive engine #123 in the City Park, Friday, June 15, at 10:00 a.m.

Mayor Martin
recognizes guests.
(Click on image to make
it larger.)

The ceremony began with a welcome from Mayor Bryan Martin followed by prayer offered by Rev. Phil Farris.  Mayor Martin then recognized guests.

David King told those gathered the history of the locomotive.  He told them it was built in April of 1907 (making it 105 years old) as Engine #11 by Baldwin Locomotive Works for the Morelia & Tacambaro Railway Company at Guanajunto, Mexico.  The 4-6-0 engine was the 30,55th steam locomotive constructed.  It was later sold to Southern Lumber Company in Warren as Engine #123.  It served on the River Railroad  Company.  Engine #123 was used to make trips from Warren to Banks and Tinsman on the logging trail.

King told the group that in November of 1955, the Southern Lumber Company and the Warren Kiwanis Club moved the engine to the City Park, painted it black with "Southern Lumber Company" and "123" lettered in yellow on its side.

David King gives the history of the
train.  (Click on image to make it
larger.)

Following the history, Jim King of C/M Construction spoke to the group about the restoration process.

French Wynne of the Campbell Group spoke about the funding of the restoration, and Maribeth Frazer, a member of the Warren Park Commission told those gathered that there are future hopes to put a covering over the train, not only for protection, but to keep it cooler for kids to play on in Arkansas's hot summers.

City Councilwoman Dorothy Henderson accepted the restored train on behalf of the Warren City Council

A nice crowd gathered for the dedication.
(Click on image to make it larger.)

A reception was held in the gazebo following the ceremony.

A few facts about the train that you might enjoy:

Wheels:  4-6-0
Builder:  Baldwin Locomotive Works
Build Date:  April 1907
Construction Number:  30555
Empty Weight:  112,000 lbs.
Weight on Drivers:  85,000
Driver Diameter:  54 in.
Tractive Effort:  18,288 lbs.

Many enjoyed the reception.

Boiler Pressure:  150 psi
Cylinders:  18 x 24
Fuel:  Oil
Gauge:  Standard

The train's restoration is a great addition to the City Park.  For the past few years, the park has seen a number of upgrades and is enjoyed by more an more, of all ages every day.

Restored and ready for play!