Built in 1943 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works, Baldwin, Pennsylvania, thousands of the United States Railroad Association Consolidation 2-8-0 Type Locomotives were assembled in America for war service in England, Europe and Asia.  Outnumbering other war-time railroad engines, they were simple to maintain with the close clearance required for the narrow bridges and tunnels on European railroads.  They were stripped down for war action, and acquired the nickname "Gypsy Rose Lee" locomotives after the famous burlesque dancer.

Instead of being shipped to Europe, twelve of these locomotives were sent to Alaska by the U.S. Army to become Alaska Railroad Class 550.  All twelve locomotives saw service over the 460 miles of the Alaska Railroad.  For 13 years, No. 556 hauled passengers and freight from Seward through Anchorage and on to Fairbanks.  In 1959, No. 556 was taken out of storage and moved to its present location, where it has been an education display and object of play for three generations of Anchorage youngsters.

Of the thousands of U.S.R.A. Consolidation Type Locomotives originally built for war service, only three remain in North America.  After service on the Alaska Railroad, several of the locomotives were shipped to Spain and are reported to still be in operation.

 

 

Alaska Railroad photo, Jack Klingbeil Collection

Turnagain Arm, May 16, 1950