Chicago, Burlington and Quincy No. 637 is a Class K-2 4-6-0 "Ten Wheeler" type steam locomotive built in 1892 by the Rogers Locomotive Works in Paterson, NJ, (later part of Alco) as #309 for the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad headquartered in Omaha, NE.
After acquisition by the Burlington in 1872, the B&MRR continued as a separate operation until it was merged into the CB&Q in 1904. #309 was then renumbered #637 and formally joined the CB&Q roster.
It was soon relegated to branch line service and hauled commuter trains in the Chicago area until 1948.
It was displayed with a fake wood burning smokestack at the 1948 Chicago Railroad Fair and then hauled railfan excursions until 1956 when it was donated to the City of Aurora, IL. Twenty-four years later, the locomotive was sold to the Illinois Railway Museum where it sits on static display today.
Trivia[]
- The B&MRR was incorporated in Burlington, IA, in 1852 and started operations in 1856 with only a few miles of track.
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