The "Consolidation"
 referenced in Henderson History books as
 "The Pony"

The rapid increase of traffic during the period under notice demanded a still more powerful freight engine, and in order to secure the necessary amount of adhesion, Mr. Alexander Mitchell, master mechanic of the Lehigh and Mahoning Railroad, designed in the year 1866 an eight coupled engine, and it was named Consolidation. This name was suggested by the consolidation of the Lehigh and Mahoning with the Lehigh Valley Railroad, which had just then been consummated.

This historical locomotive is shown in Fig. 20, and it is interesting to note that both the Mogul and Consolidation engines of the present day have not been altered in any essential particular except in dimensions, which reflects great credit on their designers. The Consolidation was built at the Baldwin Locomotive Works, and its principal dimensions were: Cylinders, 20 in. diameter by 24 in. stroke; driving wheels, 48˝ in. in diameter. The pony truck (meaning single axle) was equalized with the front driving wheels. Weight about 45 tons. The boiler was fed by one injector and two feed pumps; the latter were worked by return cranks on the rear driving wheels, as shown. Pumps have now practically become obsolete. They gave much trouble by freezing in cold weather, and many vexatious delays were caused by "failure of the pumps."

The writer takes pleasure in thanking Mr. J. Elfreth Watkins, curator of the National Museum, Washington; Mr. Theo. N. Ely, chief of motive power of the Pennsylvania Railroad; Mr. R. S. Hughes, president of the Rogers Locomotive Company; Mr. William Buchanan, chief of motive power of the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad; the Baldwin Locomotive Works; the Westinghouse Air Brake Company; Mr. M. N. Forney, M.E.; and Mr. Clement E. Stretton, C.E., of Leicester, England, for the valuable data and drawings they have kindly placed at his disposal.

Source:  "The Evolution of the American Locomotive", Scientific American Supplement—May 8, 1897 (Part 3 of 3), by Herbert T. WALKER.

The first locomotice -- known as the "Pony," and yet in use in the depot yards at Henderson -- was purchased by John Henry BARRETT (1868) of the Baldwin Locomotive Works, Philadelphia, and paid for out of his own means.

During the building of the Evansville, Henderson & Nashville Railroad, Mr. BARRETT was a member of the Board of Directors, and was at all times active in assisting to its early completion.  He served as Director up to the sale of the road to the Louisville & Nashville company.

Souce:  "The History of Henderson, Kentucky", page 768, by Edmund L. Starling

On 30 Jan 1869, the first engine ever seen in Henderson, was landed at the wark and several days were comsumed in hauling it up the wharf, and through the streets over a temporary strack to the depot where it was soon afterwards placed in running order.  When this had been done steam was raised and a shrill, keen whistle awakened the citizens to the absolute certainty that the Evansville, Henderson & Nashville Railroad was a thing of life indeed.  This same afternoon the Mayor and Council, and several citizens were treated to a short ride over the five mile track which had been laid down before the war, but never before used.

Source:  "The History of Henderson, Kentucky", pages 332-333, by Edmund L. Starling

 

 

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