Object Record
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Metadata
Name |
Hudson Steam Locomotive No. 5700 |
Nomenclature |
Locomotive, Steam |
Catalog Number |
RS1998.001.001 |
Description |
This 4-6-4 Class K5a Hudson was built in 1930 by the Montreal Locomotive Works and used by the Canadian National Railway on fast, light passenger trains in the Montreal-Windsor corridor before being retired. Originally numbered 5703, the ECRM's #5700 was renumbered in 1960. When the original 5700, marked for preservation, was mistakenly scrapped, CN pulled 5703 from the scrap line and gave it the moniker of its sister. One of only 5 owned by Canadian National, and one of only 2 surviving, 5700's "4-6-4" number referred to the arrangement of wheels on the bottom of the engine. The engine's 80-inch driving wheels and handsome British-style flared stacks were built especially for the highly lucrative Montreal-to-Toronto passenger service in 1930. In addition, the locomotive features a Vandervilt-style tender and stoker-fed firebox, noted for its strength and lighter weight. 5700 is one of the largest Hudson-type engines ever built. In 1967, CN moved 5700 to the National Museum of Science and Technology, where it stayed until it was declared surplus by CN in 1988. With the help of the St. Thomas community and a series of arrangements bya local politician, The Honourable John Wise, the 5700 engine made its way to its home in St. Thomas, where it was the first acquisition of the ECRM in 1989. The 5700 (Serial 68540) carried a boiler pressure of 275 lbs. p.s.i., 23" X 28" cylinders, 80" drivers and had a tractive effort of 43,280 lbs. The engine and tender loaded weighed in at 659,000 lbs, carrying 18 tons of coal and 14,000 gallons of water, and measured 92' 6.25" over the couplers and was capable of speeds over 100 miles per hour while pulling 8 to 10 coaches. |
Date |
1930 |
Year Range from |
1930 |
Year Range to |
1960 |
Material |
Cast iron/Sheet metal/Steel/Wood/Glass/Paint/Brass |
Place of Origin |
Montreal, QC, Canada |
Made |
Montreal Locomotive Works |
Status |
On Permanent Display |