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Texas State Railroad No 300

Southern Pine Lumber Co. No. 28 is a type of 2-8-0 “Consolidation” built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1917 as #645, the locomotive was renumbered #20 at Camp Claiborne, LA, in 1941 and, six years later, was sold to a private owner.

It was later sold on to the Tremont & Gulf Railway in Winnfield, LA, and renumbered #28.

In 1955, the T. & G. sold number 28 to the Southern Pine Lumber Company, and East Texas short line operated by the Temple Lumber Company.

After several years of dedicated service, the company owner, Mr. Arthur Temple, donated the engine to the Texas State Railroad in 1973 and it was Renumbered 300.

After years of effort, engine 300 was put into active service on April 13, 1996 to commemorate the Texas State Railroad’s Centennial celebration.

As of today the locomotive is operational at the Texas State Railroad

Trivia

The locomotive is one of two surviving United States Army “Pershing” engines.

This type of engine was named after General “Blackjack” Pershing and built for service in Europe during World War One.

At the end of WWII the locomotive was acquired by the Tremont and Gulf Railroad, a Louisiana Short line. The T. & G. completely rebuilt the engine and renumbered it 28.

Fortunately, this locomotive remained in the United States, primarily serving the Camp Polk Army Base in Leesville Louisiana.

From her humble origins of hauling freight, lumber and munitions to her present occupation of transporting tourist and rail fans of all ages, Engine 300 has done it all with style and grace.

As of 2016 it was renumbered back to #28.

It was restored to its original SPL livery and number in 1915.

See Also

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