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Geared Locomotives of Dunkirk by David Hoffman + print Soft Cover
The Geared Locomotives of Dunkirk by David M Hoffman
INCLUDES print of 16 Ton Class B Dunkirk by Joan Wallace
Soft Cover
31 pages
Copyright 1979
CONTENTS
5 History of Dunkirk Engineering Company by Walter C. Casler
8 Roster of Locomotives built by Dunkirk Iron Works
9 The Class A Locomotive
12 The Class B Locomotive
15 The Big Engine, Eagles Mere Railroad No. 4
18 Old Hulda
20 The Rattler
23 The Roster
30 Miscellany
FOREWORD
It has been 85 years since a relatively obscure firm, Dunkirk Engineering Works, Dunkirk, New York, ended approximately 5 years production of geared locomotives built to the patents of George D. Gilbert, who was formerly with the competing Climax Manufacturing Company. The national financial crisis of 1893 reduced the firm's business. Manufacture of locomotives ended in late 1894 so far as is known. The firm went out of business entirely by the end of 1896. All of the company records probably were lost or destroyed during the ensuing years. Only the persistent research of men like Walter Casler, Ben Kline, and Tom Taber Ill has brought to light the bits and pieces from which a partial roster of the locomotives can be assembled. A great deal is owed to these dedicated railroad historians because their efforts have resulted in a remarkably complete roster. Their task has been complicated by the fact that virtually all of the buyers of these locomotives were very small and short-lived logging operations, many not incorporated, located in essentially rural areas.
The data contained in this booklet is based on known records carefully reviewed for accuracy. Information about which some doubt exists is always indicated by cautionary terms such as "may have been" or "it is believed that" or "approximately." It is to be noted that some of the information in this document is not consistent with previously published information because recent research has added to, confirmed, or disproved certain data. One of the truly frustrating aspects of preparing this document is that the use of "logic" and "reasonable historical speculation" will fill in many of the missing pieces of the puzzle but such fillers cannot be used because they might be accepted as fact and therefore would discourage continued research. Although this document is the most complete yet compiled about the Dunkirk locomotives, the discerning reader will quickly realize that there may be more that is not known on the subject than what is known. Anyone who has additional (verifiable) information and/or photographs is urged to contact the author so that the record may be made more complete. A supplement or revised edition will be issued if or when appropriate.
It is not known exactly how many locomotives were built by Dunkirk but presumably there were fewer than fifty. The quantities of each Class and/or size or weight of locomotives built is also unknown. Because no specifications nor drawings have been found, the sizes and weights cannot be known with certainty. In some instances, contracts or official records of the owners indicate a Class and/or weight of locomotives, however, all such weights should be considered as approximate. It is not known, for example, if the listed weights are the light weight for an empty locomotive or are the weight in working order for one loaded and ready for service.
There is also an element of uncertainty about the designated Class. The term Class A does seem to have been consistently used to indicate the type driven by a small two-cylinder upright steam engine and based on the original Gilbert patent (as was the Class A Climax locomotive). The Class B designation was definitely used with both 13 and 16-ton horizontal boiler Dunkirks. This practice would have paralleled the use of the Class B designation for Climax's competing horizontal boiler 2 truck locomotive with inclined cylinders but there are no Dunkirk documents which state how or why they used the Class B term. This point is important because Climax built Class B's which (many years later) were as large as 60 tons but Dunkirk's largest engine, Eagles Mere No. 4, was termed a Class E although it was mechanically just a bigger version of their Class B. Dunkirk's use of the Class E designation for E.M. No. 4 obviously raises the question as to what were Classes C and D. The answer may remain a mystery because no references to either Class C or D have been found. Dunkirk did build one or more 22-ton horizontal boiler locomotives but their Class designation is unknown. There is even some doubt that Dunkirk ever was large enough or well-enough structured to use a definite system of Class designations. All Class and weight designations contained in this or preceeding documents should be considered as the best information available but potentially subject to verification and/or correction. Note also that the locomotives were usually called the Gilbert type by Dunkirk. The Gilbert name appeared on the shop number plate affixed to the frame.
The author expresses his appreciation to those people who helped to make this booklet possible. Walter C. Casler graciously shared his vast knowledge of geared locomotives and his photographs, and made many valuable suggestions so that the text would be accurate. Benjamin F. G. Kline, Jr. encouraged the project, shared his collection of photographs, and provided access to others. John T. Labbe provided the history and photographs of the Dunkirk used by Benson in the State of Washington. Larry W. Kilmer researched the history of the Wright and Miller engine. Louis J. Ullian encouraged and supported the effort and enlisted Joan Wallace to make the cover sketch. The Reverend & Mrs. Louis F. Hoffman, parents of the author, contributed their expertise in grammar, structure, and format. Last, but not least, Dee brought a wife's patience and encouragement to her fledgling author.
David M. Hoffman
1619 North Eden Circle October 1979
Titusville, Florida 32780
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