science · 03 July 1871 · 153 years ago
In 1871, the first U.S.-made, narrow-gauge locomotive - for mountain use - was built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadephia, Pa. On this day, it was first used by the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railway Company. Called the Montezuma, from a location it served, it had a 3-foot guage, a length of 30-ft, and a total weight of 25,000-lb. It had 9-in cylinders with a 16-in stroke. Narrow gauge was more adaptable to rough terrain, required less earthworks, permitted steeper gradients and sharper curves - as well as costing less to build than standard gauge lines. Narrow-gauge railroad could be used hauling passengers or freight. Logging, mining and industries and factories also operated narrow gauge lines.
OnThisDay.net