Davenport 45-Ton End-Cab Locomotive

Davenport 45-Ton End-Cab Roster
Illinois Slag & Ballast (Marty Bernard photo)
For whatever reason, the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps appeared partial towards 45-ton end-cabs; the U.S. Military agency order a total of sixteen units from two separate contractors (nine from Davenport Locomotive Works and seven from Vulcan Iron Works). Delivery of the Davenport-built units began in early 1942 and finished three months later. All 16 45-Ton models were put to work at Army ordnance plants across the U.S; they would weigh 45 tons and ride standard four- Wheel trucks. The Vulcan Iron Works built six 45-ton end-cab locomotives for the U.S. Military. The last of this group of 45-tonners was completed in November; all were lettered for the Army's Quartermaster Corps (QMC #4550-4555). At the close of WWII, the Vulcan's were transferred to the Army's Transportation Corps, and reassigned to eight different bases / air fields. By 1982, only one of the four-axle end-cabs was still generating revenue for its owner -- Laona Northern #101. Spotting features that differentiate the Davenport 45-Ton End-Cab from other short line /industrial models: Elevated cab with three steps Vertical radiator grille with center spline Compressor housing on walkway (engineer's side) Ladder-type steps Hood with button-hole vents Large shroud around exhaust stack Davenport 45-Ton End-Cab Locomotive Specifications: Horsepower: 300/340 Engine: Cooper-Bessemer ENL6 Total length: 33'-5" Truck wheelbase: 7'-0" Bolster center: 16'-6' Wheel size: 36" Fuel: 150 gal.

Davenport 45-Ton End-Cab Roster

Illinois Slag & Ballast (Marty Bernard photo)

For whatever reason, the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps appeared partial towards 45-ton end-cabs; the U.S. Military agency order a total of sixteen units from two separate contractors (nine from Davenport Locomotive Works and seven from Vulcan Iron Works). Delivery of the Davenport-built units began in early 1942 and finished three months later. All 16 45-Ton models were put to work at Army ordnance plants across the U.S; they would weigh 45 tons and ride standard four- Wheel trucks. The Vulcan Iron Works built six 45-ton end-cab locomotives for the U.S. Military. The last of this group of 45-tonners was completed in November; all were lettered for the Army's Quartermaster Corps (QMC #4550-4555). At the close of WWII, the Vulcan's were transferred to the Army's Transportation Corps, and reassigned to eight different bases / air fields. By 1982, only one of the four-axle end-cabs was still generating revenue for its owner -- Laona Northern #101.

Spotting features that differentiate the Davenport 45-Ton End-Cab from other short line /industrial models:

Elevated cab with three steps
Vertical radiator grille with center spline
Compressor housing on walkway (engineer's side)
Ladder-type steps
Hood with button-hole vents
Large shroud around exhaust stack

Davenport 45-Ton End-Cab Locomotive Specifications:

Horsepower: 300/340
Engine: Cooper-Bessemer ENL6
Total length: 33'-5"
Truck wheelbase: 7'-0"
Bolster center: 16'-6'
Wheel size: 36"
Fuel: 150 gal.

* * * Roster and Credits * * *

Serial Nmbr	Bld date	Owners (in order)
2371	2/42	U.S. QMC #?
		U.S. Army 7218
		Becker Sand & Gravel 1
--
2372	3/42	U.S. QMC #?
		U.S. Army 7192
		Wisconsin Steel 10
--
2373	3/42	U.S. QMC #?
		U.S. Army 7219
		Bettendorf Co. #?
--
2374	3/42	U.S. QMC #?
		U.S. Air Force 7220
		Hillsboro & North Eastern 6
--
2375	3/42	U.S. QMC #?
		U.S. Army 7221
		Alan Taggart #?
		Illinois Slag & Ballast 2
--
2376	4/42	U.S.QMC #?
		U.S. Army 7193
		Colorado River & Western 101
		Texas Construction Materials 503
		Horne Railroad Construction no #
		Inman Services #?
--
2377	4/42	U.S.QMC #?
		U.S. Army 7094
		R.A. Parkinson & Son #?
		Bessemer Cement #?
--
2378	4/42	U.S.QMC #4526
		U.S. Army 7442
		Ohio Hydrate & Supply
		Ohio Lime #?
		Columbia Silicate #?
--
2379	4/42	U.S.QMC #4527
		U.S. Army 7443
		Carolina Western 7436
Reference sources & Credits: Critters, Dinkys & Centercabs by Jay Reed The Second Diesel Spotters Guide by Jerry A. Pinkepank Locomotive Encyclopedia (1952 & 1956) by Simons-Boardman "Extra 2200 South Locomotive Newsletter," (February 1982)
Formatted by: R.Craig New: 6 April 2020

Davenport 45-Ton End-Cab Roster

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