CB&Q #4000

If memory serves, there were two, both named Aeolus.  They were made to handle the extra Zephyr trains, and could couple to the Zephyr sets of articulated cars.

The historical society seems to list a series of 5 of these S-4a's, #4000 through #4004, rebuilt from S-4s. (http://www.burlingtonroute.com...rosters/stlocos.html) However, Aeolus is the only name I recall seeing (which makes sense, if they shared the same name). This particular locomotive ( as #3002) is on display in Copeland Park, LaCrosse, WI, but in its original unshrouded S-4 appearance.

Only 2 were streamlined, the others never were.  Built as stand-by power for when early diesels were in the shops and then, if not needed as such, to power secondary trains.

ChipR 

Also known as "Big Alice the Goon."

Rusty

Hudson #4000 was streamlined at the W. Burlington, IA shops in 1937. The 4001 was built new in '38, and differed from prior Burlington S4 Hudsons, in having a vestibile cab and Worthington FWH, in addition to the stainless steel streamlining. Both of the Aeolus locomotives had roller bearing rods, as did 3 other members of the S4a class. Two of the unstreamlined S4a's (4002 and 4003) were converted to oil burning in 1950-51, and assigned exclusively to Lines West, based in Lincoln, NE. The streamlining on both Aeolus locomotives was removed in 1941, with the arrival of the equally gorgeous E5 diesels.   The missing streamling in the first photo were actually upward swinging doors which allowed for cleaning the ashes. Precision Scale did an exquisite model of the 4001.

         Burlington Route Historical Society member and master photographer George Spier's Grandfather ran the Aeolus locomotives and said "They rattled like tin cans!!!!"

Quick addendum - the Burlington Route Historical Society is an excellent group, always seeking new members. If you remember good ole 4960 and 5632, love streamlined stainless steel passenger trains, love wooden cabooses called "waycars" (many of which were built in the 19th century and were still in service in the 1970's) and just love the "Burlington way of doing things", consider joining the BRHS. Website: http://www.burlingtonroute.com/

Thanks for all the information guys I appreciate it,  I just had never seen one before.

Chris - It's understandable that you hadn't run across the Aeolus 4-6-4's, as they remained streamlined only 3-4 years. There are not a lot of photos of them. Shortly after it's streamlined introduction in 1937, #4000 pulled a Chicago-Galesburg fantrip, perhaps the first of the famed Burlington steam excursions.

       Should you have interest, the BRHS has a publication still available on the Burlington Hudsons, including some description on the streamlined engines. One particularly interesting photo depicted the post-streamlined 4001 pulling double deck gallery cars shortly after their placement in service, in the summer of 1953.

One of my favorite CB&Q steamers aside from the golden excursion engine...and I only knew of the two shrouded steamers- 4000 and 4001.

One of these days I'll sit down and convert a hudson to this engine...or possibly a close wheeled variant...the decals will be the harder issues to overcome for me.

Thanks for the pic! 

Sunset/3rd Rail offered both 4000 and 4001 in 3-Rail AND 2-Rail. I think there may still be some 4000 versions available, so then you would have to add the streamlining (good luck with THAT).

-$$$

-I have a fried ps2 pensy 4-6-2 with a newer simple E/reverse board now that keeps taunting me to try the reskin...it getting pretty loud again with that taunting...

Interesting information on the #4000, that had to be an exciting trip.  I will look into the publication you mentioned...I always like to learn what I can.

Chris - Where did you find the two Aeolus photos you posted? I have never seen them before - might they be available in printed form?

        There is an excellent broadside view of Aeolus #4001 in Lacrosse, WI, with a soot-streaked smokebox, apparently just in from a run, in Merrill Publishing's "Burlington Route Steam". If anyone is interested in this publication, they should contact Merrill immediately, as many of their books are being discontinued, as the heirs of photographer Roy Campbell feel they are sitting on a goldmine and have tried to extract much higher compensation from Merrill for Mr. Campbell's work. Like many railroad books, once they are gone.....they are gone forever!

Hi Mark, I found them here.  I am not sure if there is someone to contact about prints...but they would be nice to have. I also found 1 of the #4001 taking a spin on the table in Denver,CO Sept 10th 1939...really looks great up close.  Interesting to see the difference in the vent size up by the headlight compared to the #4000.  Now that I have been looking I am stumbling on photos scattered all over...I must have been under a rock or something.

Some more photos here as well.

Also a nice little article here.

Also, notice the cut-out around the drivers is more curved and has edge trim.

Rusty

Chris - Thank you; your sources include a number of Aeolus photos I have not seen before. Particularly love the little lad with the oil can standing next to 4001's boxpok driver and enormous roller bearing hubs and light weight rods. The interesting picture in the mist is a Dick Kindig, which reveals that the picture was taken in Denver.  What was the source or who produced what looks like a brochure on the Aeolus - the CB&Q?

       Believe the grillework on the front of 4001 is the result of the Worthington FWH, which allowed for a somewhat different contour to the cowling.

      It's funny, as a young teen-aged steam enthusiast in the late '50's, thought streamlined steam locmotives were hideous - overturned bathtubs!  Like 'em now, though; enough to have purchased PSC's Aeolus model!      

Hi Mark, your welcome. The PDF is a Burlington Brochure that I found here, just scroll down about 1/4 of the page and you'll see a photo of #4000 and in the notes below is where I got the link for the brochure.  I also thought the photo of the young boy oiling around was great.  I used to feel the same way about streamlined steam...they just didn't look like steam engines...today I love them as well...the N&W's J's to be specific.

Yes. Who can argue with a N&W J?   Handsome enough for Mercedes Benz to use the 611 in one of their ads, emphasizing style!

The J is definitely style, but I still love a Berk or a Challenger.

When was the ad you mention produced - years ago or recently?

C. Sam - The Mercedes ad was done perhaps 7 years ago. It featured a Mercedes side by side with #611, pictured from a very low angle. It was a very slick, sophisticated ad, with reference to classic styling, as I recall. I did a quick web search, but could not come up with it. It was a magazine ad, not TV, as I recall. Anyone find it out on the web?

I remember it, it had to be the better part of 10 years ago.  I believe it was in multiple magazines at the time.  Mark is right...it was a very cool.