J. N. Bray Lumber Company
The J. N. Bray Lumber Company was founded in Cecil, Georgia, around 1890. It moved to Valdosta, Georgia, in 1907, where it erected a sawmill in 1908 on East Hill Avenue. In addition to cutting timber, the company was later engaged in farming and naval stores activities, i.e. products derived from pine resin.[1]
Steam locomotive of the works railway[edit]
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 The veteran No 2 built in 1856 , photograph by courtesy of The Baldwin Locomotive Works, 1925 | |||||||||||||||||
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It owned and operated a 10 miles (16 km) long works railway, using a veteran locomotive No 2. This was a 4-4-0 "American" type steam locomotive built in 1856 by The Baldwin Locomotive Works.
In 1925, the No 2 was still in daily operation in logging service at the saw mill of J. N. Bray & Co., Valdosta, Georgia. It borne the original name plate on the front with the inscription "M. W. Baldwin, Philadelphia, 1856". The early history of this engine is apparently lost. The owners of the saw mill purchased it as a second-hand locomotive around 1882, but all records of the sale have become lost so that any previous owners are unknown.[2][3]
Its owners stated in 1925 that it has been in their possession so long that it is regarded with much the same affection as an old family horse. It has been operated by over 100 persons, including all of the women of their family. Several efforts to purchase it have therefore been unsuccessful.[2]
The veteran locomotive No 2 is said to be a sister engine to the famous locomotive The General, and a comparison of pictures of the two seems to bear this out. The General is the Western and Atlantic Railroad Co. engine that was captured and recaptured in an unsuccessful Federal raid near Big Shanty, Georgia. The General is now on permanent exhibition in the Union Depot at Chattanooga, a bit of military adventure having won for it retirement, whereas old Number 2 must labor on.[2]
The cylinders on this engine were 12 in (305 mm) in diameter by 22 in (559 mm) stroke. The driving wheels were 54 inches in diameter. The original crank pins, rods, straps and keys were apparently still in use in 1925. The left front cylinder head has been replaced but the right cylinder was intact and the pistons were said to be the original ones placed in the engine when it was built.[2]
The boiler was 36 in (914 mm) in diameter by 15 feet 6 inches (4,720 mm) long. It is jacketed with brass, as are also the steam chests. Patches and replacements have been made around the firebox, but the crown sheet was believed to be still the original one in 1925. There were no records or indications of any repairs ever having been made to the barrel until 1925.
In 1923 the locomotive was engaged temporarily in hauling logs on a short main line, and consequently had to pass an Interstate Commerce Commission inspection. Accordingly, it was given a hydrosatic test and approved for operation at 120 lbf/in2 (8 bar) pressure, and the safety valve was set to 120 lbf/in2 (8 bar).[2]
References[edit]
- ↑ Valdosta, early 1900s. J. N. Bray Lumber Company.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Ancient Locomotive Still In Service. In: The Locomotive, by Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company. October 1925. Page 242.
- ↑ The Oldest Baldwin in Georgia in 1922? The J.N. Bray & Sons Lumber Co. # 2. Unknown Baldwin built in 1856 or before.
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