It began operation in 1887, and produced upward of 4,500 engines during its 40 years of operation.[1] The Richmond Locomotive Works was the largest and most significant manufacturer of locomotives in Virginia during its years of production.[2] Its only contemporary in Virginia was the Roanoke Shops, which produced locomotives exclusively for Norfolk & Western. In 1901 the works merged with several others to form the American Locomotive Company, which continued production at the Richmond works until 1927.
The Richmond Locomotive Works grew out of Tredegar Iron Works to become a nationally known manufacturer of steam locomotive engines and an integral part of the industrial landscape of the city of Richmond.[2] The engines it produced were shipped across America, as well as several countries in Europe, Asia and the South Pacific.[2]
One 4-6-0 locomotive was shipped to New Zealand in 1901 as a sample for the New Zealand Railways to try. It was classed in the 'Ub' family (along with a fellow ALCO product - a Brooks 4-6-0) and given the road number of #371. It was considered too light for mainline running, steaming poorly on New Zealand's ungraded coals but found a home on a local Canterbury Plains branchline serving it for 30 years. It was dumped in 1933 but has been rediscovered for possible restoration.
Sale and merger
In 1901, the Richmond Locomotive Works was purchased by Joseph Leiter for $3 million.[3] At the time, the company employed about 1,600 workers and was producing two locomotives a day.[3]
Later that year, Richmond and seven other manufacturing companies merged to form American Locomotive Company (ALCO). Locomotive production at Richmond Locomotive Works ceased in September 1927.
Preserved Richmond locomotives
The following locomotives (in serial number order) built by Richmond before the ALCO merger have been preserved.[1] All locations are in the United States unless otherwise noted.