Ft. Pierce Locomotive Association

Steam locomotive association #253 is one of the six remaining locomotives out of 275 that were owned by Coast Railway locomotives in Florida. The locomotive was built in 1924 by American locomotive company and was aimed at moving and assembling trains in the yard and in carrying out other light tasks. The steam locomotive #253 has a rich history and has provided me with new experiences and has taught me what I did not know.

The locomotive number 253 is the only remaining locomotives in Florida that is operational. All other locomotives that were built during the same time are not operational with many of them having been sold. The locomotive is the only remaining steam engines owned by FEC Ry. Company as the current locomotives function on diesel. In addition, the locomotive is the heaviest in the history having no wheels in the front and at the end but has eight in the middle. Furthermore, I learnt that the locomotive is the only remaining in the whole world. The locomotive holds the records of being the first to operate in Florida and one of its own kinds to operate in the United States of America.

I have also leant that the steam locomotive weighed 108 tons and was 70 feet long. The locomotive is also able to move at between 35-40mph. When the steam locomotive could no longer function properly, it was taken in the yard in 1956 until 1990s when plans to revive it kick-started. The locomotive was displayed at Texarkana and stayed there for a number of decades. The locomotives had an oil fired boiler that measured 7 foot in diameter that managed to generate approximate 200 PSI of superheated steam. The steam produced enabled the locomotive to pull an approximate of 5,100 ton of train at a speed of 25 mph. The locomotive driver wheels measured 51 inch in its diameter and it managed to accommodate or carry 2000 gals of oil and 8000 gals of water.

Over the past years, many people and groups have tried in vain to move the locomotive and try to restore it. However, despite these efforts, the locomotives was purchased by Steve and Bob and transported to south Florida where it was produced. The locomotive is also aimed at attracting tourists who will be able to visit the facility and see it. It therefore remains or reminds the people of America on its legacy. The history of the locomotive will therefore be appreciated by the coming generations.

Furthermore, I have learnt on the facts that the locomotive was well cared for and that it was not in a very bad condition as the possibility of its restoration was still there. However, this will take a lot of time and it will depend on the availability of work forces-volunteers that will help in the process.

In addition, the locomotive restoration process is an initiative that has received attention from the state of Florida Historic Preservation Department. Therefore, this shows that indeed the locomotive #253 is important to the state and its availability as viewed as a treasurer to all people in USA.

In conclusion, the steam locomotive #253 is one of the best examples of how the industry of train and locomotives came about. It is a good history that helps the coming generations on how the former locomotives worked hence helping in appreciating the older engineers who provided a leeway to the modern advanced locomotives. I have indeed learned from this experience and therefore appreciate the steam locomotive. Efforts should be put to safeguard the only operational engine to help in preserving history and legacy of Florida.