| Chicago Burlington & Quincy Railroad 4-6-0 Class K-2 657, date, location, and photographer unknown, print by Tom Klinger, Chuck Zeiler collection. Number 657 was built by the Grant Locomotive Works of Cicero, Illinois in June 1893 as Burlington & Missouri River number 329 (c/n 1812) renumbered to CB&Q 657 and classed K-2 in 1904, retired in March 1943. The CB&Q Locomotive Assignment Sheet dated November 1, 1932 shows number 657 assigned to the Ottumwa Division. As it turned out, this was one of the last (if not the last) locomotives constructed by the Grant Locomotive Works. Although 55 locomotives were ordered by the CB&Q, only three were built (#'s B&MR 327, 328, 329, later, CB&Q 655, 656, 657) before a strike at the Works closed the plant. The Works went into receivership and was purchased by the Siemens & Halske Electric Company. The locomotive order was completed under the new ownership, but sold to other railroads. |