B&SR #5

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B&SR #5 was the last Portland Company locomotive ever built. It was delivered in 1906 to the specifications of B&SR Master Mechanic Mel Caswell. #5 introduced the "Boston" wheel arrangement (2-4-4) to the two-foot railroads of Maine. It was also the first locomotive built for the B&SR that had knuckle couplers and vacuum brakes at time of delivery. Despite these innovations, #5 was considered the worst riding locomotive by the crews. The locomotive would also set the speed record for the B&SR, covering three and three-quarter miles in four minutes, an impressive speed of 56 miles an hour. Unfortunately #5 would also be involved in the railroads worst wreck when on May 22nd, 1911, #5 heading northbound to Hiram hit a sun-kink at speed and derailed, rolling over and down and embankment. Engineer Roland Woodbury would miraculously escape with his life, though suffered several severe burns. The fireman, Leon Freeman jumped from the engine without injury and assisted Woodbury to the closest station, Perley's Mills.

#5 would be repaired and continue to see service up until the B&SR became the B&H though in an increasingly reserve roll after 1930. In 1935 the locomotive was finally retired and scrapped.

Technical Data:

Type: 2-4-4T

Manufacturer: Portland Company

Weight: 27 Tons

Length: 31' 1"

Frame: Inside

Firebox: 42 1/4" x 37 5/8"

Boiler: 38 7/8" Diameter  

Steam Pressure: 180 PSI

Drivers: 33"

Cylinders: 11"x14"

Valve Gearing: Stephenson

Tractive Effort: 7,850

Coal/Water Capacity: 2,150 lbs. / 800 gal.