NYC Bellefontaine, OH

Tom Gerbracht said...
I have seen this one before..it was taken at Bellefontaine, OH, probably prior to November, 1948. (In another view, this engine is not yet equipped with a dual seal beam headlight, and I think that the records show that most or all had the headlight conversion in November, 1948. - Larry Baggerly collection

 

The S-Class were the Central's loveliest locomotives in my opinion, and Roger's photo is a prime example. I know you J-Class lovers are accusing me of heresy, but I'm entitled to my narrow-minded opinion...LOL

 

That's a beautiful shot, Roger, in my opinion the best way to view the S Class, full side view. Hank, my love of NY Central steam is not confined to the J's. These big guys were something special, both in looks and performance. Again I shed tears that not one was preserved.

 

Jim, my love of the S stems from watching them with my mother from the bluff above the Croton/Harmon station where the GCT electric/steam interchange occurred. The 6000's were magnificent giants as they arrived and departed overshadowing every J and K in view. The most thrilling memory was of having one or two S's less than 100' below us, their pumps breathing heavily, awaiting the next outbound member of the Great Steel Fleet.

OK, so I got carried away, but I wish I could share those memories with all y'all. I'm sure there's an undergrad somewhere who has a concept that will evolve into a way to patch that portion of our brain to a video file.....maybe. hboy:

 

"Is the building behind that steamer their depot?"

Yes, that was the depot at Bellefontaine.

 

Having experienced that engine change (as a passenger) at Croton-Harmon, I am jealous that you were able to view probably many of them on any given day. Just a few minutes, electric loco gone, steam connected, and off we go north to Albany and beyond. Yeah, would like to do that mental video file.