Louisiana Steam Train Association

This week at the LASTA yard, volunteers took the first step toward preparing a historic steam locomotive tender for a possible transfer to another preservation organization. The crew repositioned the tender so we can better inspect its trucks, bearings, brakes, couplers, and overall condition before any future move.

Research suggests—although it has not yet been conclusively confirmed—that the tender may have originally served behind Atlanta & West Point No. 430, a Baldwin-built 2-8-2 Heavy Mikado constructed in 1944. In his October 20, 2024, Trains Magazine article, “Atlanta & West Point Locomotives Remembered,” Brian Schmidt describes No. 430 as having a large 12-wheel tender riding on two three-axle trucks. Built to maximize mainline run times, the massive tender held 18,000 gallons of water and 18 tons of coal, making it heavier when fully loaded than the locomotive itself! This massive footprint gives it the imposing look of a tender built for a much larger Berkshire-type locomotive.

By 1954, as dieselization swept the West Point Route, the locomotive was scrapped. However, because steam wrecking cranes required substantial fuel and water support at active jobsites, the tender was reportedly salvaged and assigned to the Montgomery wreck train. There, it supported A&WP No. 2, a 100-ton Bucyrus steam wrecking crane which is also preserved at the LASTA yard.

Years later, both the crane and tender were generously donated, remaining together at our yard for more than four decades. Today, as we carefully assess its condition, this remarkable survivor stands ready to begin an exciting new chapter in railroad preservation. Stay tuned for updates as this project moves forward!

There was another productive day in the yard with a great turnout from the crew!

The morning started with volunteers tackling grass cutting and w**d trimming around the property. To ensure work could proceed efficiently, the green riding mower was repaired with a replacement fuel solenoid, allowing maintenance work to continue without interruption. In addition to these tasks, equipment and trailers were relocated with the loader as crews continued preparing the yard for the upcoming move out of the curve.

By late morning, the train crew assembled to begin moving rail equipment. Progress included relocating the Track Boxcar to the front of the yard and creating a gap between the Theater Car and the Caboose, an essential step to improving access to the north side of the property.

Later in the afternoon, the Gondola was spotted behind the boxcars, providing a good location for loading equipment during the upcoming week. Work wrapped up around 4 PM with solid progress made across the property.

We’re always looking for help at the yard — whether you have railroad experience or just a willingness to lend a hand. We have a dedicated team of volunteers working tirelessly. Any help is welcome in the coming months - https://lasta.org/volunteer/