Color In A Grayscale World
On April 11, 1937, the American Locomotive Company held open house to show off the latest in locomotives, and Milwaukee Type Atlantic number 4 was part of that celebration. The 4 was fresh from the paint shop, with the Hiawatha Indian adorning the tender and HIAWATHA nameplate on the flank of the locomotive. The 4 was delivered to The Milwaukee Road in Milwaukee, Wisconsin shortly after, where it would receive finishing touches. In this photo by an unknown photographer 87 years ago today, we see the 4 spot getting steamed up outside of the Milwaukee Shops. The HIAWATHA nameplate on the flank of the locomotive has been replaced with a CHIPPEWA name plate for it's duties between Chicago and Milwaukee, along with service on the recently inaugurated Chippewa Hiawatha. In the cab of the 4 Spot, you can see the engine tender keeping an eye on water levels, steam pressure among his other duties, along with what appears to be some top brass on scene for the initial firing of one of the worlds most famous streamlined steam locomotives. The cost of the final Milwaukee Type Atlantic was $109,230. The number 4 is being held in place by wooden wheel blocking while being fired for the first time, while the company brass inspects her, along with other facets of the area. Had the 4 Spot survived, she would be 87 years old today on her first day of service for The Milwaukee Road, but retirement came in June, 1951.
I took the liberty of meticulously bringing color to the beautiful Atlantic for this posting, although the original I have is a darkroom processed black and white image.
MILW 4
Milwaukee Road Class A
Milwaukee, WI.
April 20, 1937
Photographer Unknown
D.A.Longley Collection
Color In A Grayscale World
On April 11, 1937, the American Locomotive Company held open house to show off the latest in locomotives, and Milwaukee Type Atlantic number 4 was part of that celebration. The 4 was fresh from the paint shop, with the Hiawatha Indian adorning the tender and HIAWATHA nameplate on the flank of the locomotive. The 4 was delivered to The Milwaukee Road in Milwaukee, Wisconsin shortly after, where it would receive finishing touches. In this photo by an unknown photographer 87 years ago today, we see the 4 spot getting steamed up outside of the Milwaukee Shops. The HIAWATHA nameplate on the flank of the locomotive has been replaced with a CHIPPEWA name plate for it's duties between Chicago and Milwaukee, along with service on the recently inaugurated Chippewa Hiawatha. In the cab of the 4 Spot, you can see the engine tender keeping an eye on water levels, steam pressure among his other duties, along with what appears to be some top brass on scene for the initial firing of one of the worlds most famous streamlined steam locomotives. The cost of the final Milwaukee Type Atlantic was $109,230. The number 4 is being held in place by wooden wheel blocking while being fired for the first time, while the company brass inspects her, along with other facets of the area. Had the 4 Spot survived, she would be 87 years old today on her first day of service for The Milwaukee Road, but retirement came in June, 1951.
I took the liberty of meticulously bringing color to the beautiful Atlantic for this posting, although the original I have is a darkroom processed black and white image.
MILW 4
Milwaukee Road Class A
Milwaukee, WI.
April 20, 1937
Photographer Unknown
D.A.Longley Collection