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V&T 29

V&T 29 is a saturated Baldwin consolidation type 2-8-0 locomotive with D (slide) valves.

Service Life and Preservation[]

#29 was built in October, 1916 for the Louisiana & Pacific Railway as their Number 252 (works no.44235). She was aqcuired by the Longview, Portland and Northern in 1922 who used the locomotive until the 1960's. After being taken out of service, she was stored at the LP&N until she was sold to the Gray family's reconstructed V&T in 1977.

After serving the V&T for over two decades, she was taken out of service around 2001 for a major overhaul, returning to active service in 2008 subsequently being named "Robert C. Gray", to honour the preserved V&T's founder.

The most recent FRA certification lastesuntil 2024, where she will go back in for a full Form 4 inspection. Regarding the whistle, currently the locomotive has an SP bowl and the bell of a Nathan 5 chime. She was fitted with a plain bell when built, and wore a SP 6 chime in the mid 1990's.

Interesting Facts regarding the 29 and the V&T.[]

  • V&T 29 was not the first steam locomotive to run on the reconstructed V&T railway. It was actually NSRM's no.8, numbered 28. Eventually the 29 was joined by a Feather River Lumber Co. Prairie type (no longer operational and doesn't belong to the Grays) and McCloud #18 (in service, owned by the VT commission), a superheated 2-8-2.
  • #29 has appeared in films and media such as Killers of the Flower Moon, America by Rail Part 1 and Great Scenic Railway Journeys.
  • From 2009 to 2019, #29's smokebox was painted black. In later years, it faded to a graphite colour. In 2020, it was repainted with a silver front, reminiscent of the late LP&N appearance.
  • Rizzoli Locomotive Works have a good working relationship with the railroad, and 29 often showcases their replica whistles.

Gallery[]

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