A mystery solved. I think.

Started by Zephyrus52246, June 11, 2026, 08:41:49 PM

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Zephyrus52246

At my parent's 50th anniversary 30+ years ago, I saw some pictures in my parents' photo album I hadn't seen before.  Including the picture shown.   I asked who the people were and my father said that was my grandfather's crew when he worked for the railroad.  Of course my father knowing I had an interest in railroads never mentioned this.  I only knew that my grandfather had worked for the NJ highway department.  My dad couldn't remember any other details, including the railroad.  I don't even know which of the gentlemen is my grandfather.  

Getting a railroad atlas and figuring where they lived (Irvington , NJ), we figured out it was probably the Pennsylvania railroad, but it was just a guess.  I have looked at PRR sites on and off but never could figure it out.  A few days ago, I found a site (which I have now lost) and they had four separate pictures of a loco 804.  I think it's a PRR D16a locomotive.  

If any of you Pennsy fans have an opinion, I'd like to hear it.  


Jeff

PRR Modeler

Curt Webb
The Late Great Pennsylvania Railroad
Freelanced PRR Bellevue Subdivision

GPdemayo

Gregory P. DeMayo
General Construction Superintendent Emeritus
St. Louis & Denver Railroad
Longwood, FL

restocarp

This site may give you the best information and help narrow down the dates.

https://pennsyrr.com/databases/steam/

Matt

Philip

Interesting photo.

Any idea about the date?

Zephyrus52246

No idea on the date, Philip.  My dad didn't remember, either.  Greg and Matt, I've looked at those sites.  What I needed was a picture of one of the 804s.  I did find a site (can't find it now) that had some pictures as well.  Looking at the pennsyrr.com site and then pictures elsewhere of the various classes, I think it's the D16 A type.  Apparently that one was scrapped in 1919.  

Jeff

deemery

Quote from: Zephyrus52246 on Today at 08:27:48 AMNo idea on the date, Philip.  My dad didn't remember, either.  Greg and Matt, I've looked at those sites.  What I needed was a picture of one of the 804s.  I did find a site (can't find it now) that had some pictures as well.  Looking at the pennsyrr.com site and then pictures elsewhere of the various classes, I think it's the D16 A type.  Apparently that one was scrapped in 1919. 

Jeff
Well, you now know "must be before 1919..."    Have you thought about submitting this to a Pennsy RR group?

dave
Modeling the Northeast in the 1890s - because the little voices told me to

Philip

Correct Dave.

I plugged the data and image provided for fun and AI suggested the photo was taken in Australia because of the double breasted pee coat and a mention of one of the uniform badges similar to a military unit crest.
I call BS with the AI conclusion.

Your Grandfather is most likely one of the gentlemen sporting the fancy conductor hat.

I think it may be a Camelback. NJC?

Oddly. I didn't see any steam rosters of Pennsylvania R/R at Fallen flag website.

BandOGuy

Late to the party as usual.
Dr. (Ret) Jeff,
Hope this may aid your search.
PRR archives - Search
I've heard through members of the Reading Hsitorical Society that the Commonwealth has the best records of railroad history in the state.
Hope this helps. Now, what will help the Red Sox hitters?
Working on my second million. I gave up on the first.

Zephyrus52246

Chip, I doubt anything will help the Red Sox hitters.  It's painful to watch.f

Jeff

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