Southern Pacific No. 2252 is a class "T-1" 4-6-0 "Ten-Wheeler" steam locomotive built in 1897 by the Cooke Locomotive and Machine Company of Patterson, NJ for the Southern Pacific Railroad. Originally classified as class DA #1838, the locomotive was renumbered/reclassified in 1901. The 38 T-1s were built as heavy passenger locomotives but found to be equally successful in freight service as well.
By the 1920s the T-1s were being phased out of service and most would be scrapped by the late 1930s. However, T-1s 2242, 2247, 2248, and 2252 were all selected for 'fire train' service in 1929. Located at strategic locations on Donner Pass, the locomotives were kept at the ready to respond to any fires that might occur along the route or in the (at the time) wooden snowsheds. The locomotives were fitted with a steam pump, nozzles, and associated plumbing, pulling two specialty tank-cars also fitted for firefighting. The 2252 and 2248 would last into the early 1950s in this service.
After retirement in 1956, it was donated to the City of Roseville, CA, and placed on static display. It was moved around 2003 to its current location near the Roseville yard and is displayed outside with a rotary snow plow.