316 on the Maydelle Roundtable
This rare example of railroad technology demonstrates how a steam locomotive was turned around, using only compressed air, over 130 years ago. Acquired by the Texas State Railroad in 1981, the turntable was originally built in the late 1890s by the St. Louis and San Francisco (Frisco) Railroad located in Paris, Texas. Starting in 1902, it served a six-stall roundhouse at their Paris rail yard.
Engine number 316 is the oldest locomotive operated on the[Texas State Railroad. This engine was built in 1901 by the A. L. Cooke Locomotive Works for the Texas & Pacific Railway, and is the only operating T. & P. steam locomotive in existence. In 1951 the locomotive was saved from the scrappers torch by a remarkable Lady (who wished to remain anonymous). She purchased the engine and, with help from the T. & P., donated it to the city of Abilene in honor of its' seventy -fifth anniversary as a city. In 1974 the citizens of Abilene graciously donated the locomotive to the newly formed Texas State Railroad State Historical Park.
316 on the Maydelle Roundtable
This rare example of railroad technology demonstrates how a steam locomotive was turned around, using only compressed air, over 130 years ago. Acquired by the Texas State Railroad in 1981, the turntable was originally built in the late 1890s by the St. Louis and San Francisco (Frisco) Railroad located in Paris, Texas. Starting in 1902, it served a six-stall roundhouse at their Paris rail yard.
Engine number 316 is the oldest locomotive operated on the[Texas State Railroad. This engine was built in 1901 by the A. L. Cooke Locomotive Works for the Texas & Pacific Railway, and is the only operating T. & P. steam locomotive in existence. In 1951 the locomotive was saved from the scrappers torch by a remarkable Lady (who wished to remain anonymous). She purchased the engine and, with help from the T. & P., donated it to the city of Abilene in honor of its' seventy -fifth anniversary as a city. In 1974 the citizens of Abilene graciously donated the locomotive to the newly formed Texas State Railroad State Historical Park.