Just a fun question

[ginzokid]

Since my questions seem to be answered with such rapidity due to the immense knowledge of this group, I'm just going to ask this one for fun, not profit. Does anyone know what type of railroad equipment a MacArthur is and what railroad was first to use it? Something to think about while digesting all that turkey and stuffing.

[jamajack]

I may be wrong but I think it was during World War II the B&O officially reclassified its 2-8-2 "Mikados" as the "MacArthur" type; nevertheless, railroad men continued to call them "mikes." Hope this is the answer you were looking for. Jack -- Edited by jamajack at 11/22/2007 10:51 AM

[g-pa1]

I think MacArthur had an older brother named Donald but he neither served in the Army or on a railroad. However he did serve in a small diner that he owned and was able to branch out to several outlying RR depots. As years went by the railroads eventually bought out the elderly Donald and moved the fast food kiosks to one end of the depots under some yellow arched stairways(some called them golden arches)! And thus the moniker Old MacDonald - alas he never did own a farm but I do think he had a cousin named Mike.

[g-pa1]

The Tryptophanes in the turkey made me do it! Gene

[crazyd37]

"Fun" question. I did some research and emailed it to you since I didn't know the answer first hand. Thanks for the challenge and as usual, helping me to learn more than I did about some interesting facts of different locos, etc. It's nice to actually use this head of mine once in awhile!

[ginzokid]

Actually guys the story goes like this. In 1893, Baldwin produced a narrow gauge 2-8-2 for the Japanese railway. The type proved popular with American railroads also, but in standard gauge. Because of its association with Japan, the locos were named Mikado, a term used to refer to the Emperor of Japan. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Mikado type became a candidate for a new name. Gen. Douglas MacArthur was the commander of the Allied forces in the far east and in May 1942, R.R. Cummins, Central of Georgia's general manager, wrote to MacArthur informing him that the railroad had renamed 72 of its locos in his honor. While some other railroads, B&O and UP, also renamed their locos, CofG was the only one to write to MacArthur. In June of 1942, the general wrote CofG to thank them for the honor. Although these two letters are in the MacArthur Memorial Archives in Norfolk, Va., none of the renamed locos exist today. And that is the rest of the story......

[ginzokid]

Me thinks that someone had too much "holiday cheer"..... Sure! Blame it on the turkey...

[g-pa1]

I tried to place a picture of a commorative historic plaque that I took when we celebrated our 40th anniversary in Charleston SC. in August. I found it interesting. Gene

[g-pa1]

I know the picture is hard to read so here is the text William Aiken House Built between 1807 and 1811. the east wing was added after 1831. Residence of William Aiken. First president (1828-1831) of the South Carolina canal and Rail Road Company. This company inaugurated the American Steam Railroad era at Charleston, Christmas Day,1830.By using for the first time on this continent a steam locomotive in regular service to pull a train of cars on a track. It also was the first in this country to carry the mail. The property was inherited by Governor William Aiken Jr. who sold it in 1863 to the South Carolina Railroad company which later became a part of the Southern Railway System.