According to an SAL journal, predecessor Portsmouth & Roanoke RR had at least 5, possibly 6 locomotives of the 4-2-0 type. One was named "Portsmouth." I am looking for images of this locomotive if any are to be found, and would appreciate help in locating same.

Additionally, in 1892, a replica of a 4-2-0 (Raleigh and Gaston RR "TORNADO") was built for the Raleigh, NC Great Centennial Celebration. (Original was built in 1839.) It was brought to Portsmouth, Virginia for its bicentennial in 1952. Does anyone know the location and ownership of that replica now?

-- Betty Burnell (burn611@aol.com), February 21, 2001

Answers

Ms. Burnell,

I do have an image that you may be interested in viewing. It is an old photograph of the Seaboard and Roanoke Shops in Portsmouth. The date of the photo is May 20, 1872. It shows three locomotives, numerous buildings and several yard tracks with freight cars. The picture was posed because throughout the photo men are facing the camera. It looks like it was an early "company photo" I will be happy to allow you to view the photo. Your museum has helped me in the past. Van Welton

-- Van Welton (vanwelton@hotmail.com), February 24, 2001.

It is on display in hamlet near the National RR Museum in downtown Hamlet

-- Alan Ashworth (Tarheelrrds@aol.com), February 22, 2001.