Davenport 45-Ton End-Cab Locomotive

Illinois Slag & Ballast (Marty Bernard photo)


For whatever reason, the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps appeared partial towards 45-ton end-cab; 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 on 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 of the four-axle end-cabs was still generating revenue for its owner -- Laona Northern #101.
Differentiating Spotting Features
  • 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
End-Cab Model 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 * * *


QMC Nmbr

Serial Nmbr

Bld date

Notes
4526 2378 4/42 To U.S. Army 7442 > Ohio Hydrate & Supply> Ohio Lime #? >Columbia Silicate #?
4527 2379 4/42 To U.S. Army 7443 > Carolina Western 7436
???? 2371 2/42 To U.S. Army 7218 > Becker Sand & Gravel 1
???? 2372 3/42 To U.S. Army 7192 > Wisconsin Steel 10
???? 2373 3/42 To U.S. Army 7219 > Bettendorf Co. #?
???? 2374 3/42 To U.S. Air Force 7220 > Hillsboro & North Eastern 6
???? 2375 3/42 To U.S. Army 7221 > Alan Taggart #? > Illinois Slag & Ballast 2
???? 2376 4/42 To U.S. Army 7193 > Colorado River & Western 101 >Texas Construction Materials 503 > Horne Railroad Construction no > Inman Services #?
???? 2377 /42 To U.S. Army 7094 > R.A. Parkinson & Son #? > Bessemer Cement #?


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


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