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Rock Island 307 S-53 0-8-0 Steam Switcher Original Photo c1950
Description
This photograph documents one of the last chapters of working steam on the Rock Island.
Original black-and-white photograph of Rock Island No. 307, an S-53 class 0-8-0 steam yard switcher, shown in a working railroad yard around 1950.
No. 307 was one of only ten S-53 switchers built for the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad. The American Locomotive Company’s Brooks Works built the class in 1925.
With all eight wheels powered, these locomotives were designed for heavy yard service, including:
* Sorting freight cars
* Assembling trains
* Moving equipment through major railroad yards
The photograph shows No. 307 in its working environment rather than as a formal locomotive portrait. Visible details include a wooden water tank, railroad buildings, parallel tracks, and other equipment.
A man stands at the right beside the tracks, looking toward the locomotive. His presence provides a sense of scale and captures an authentic moment of everyday railroad activity.
Rock Island began adopting diesel power before World War II, but steam switchers continued essential yard work into the early 1950s. The 300-series locomotives were withdrawn as dieselization reached its final stages.
Item Specifics
* Railroad: Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad
* Common Name: Rock Island Line
* Locomotive Number: 307
* Locomotive Class: S-53
* Wheel Arrangement: 0-8-0
* Locomotive Type: Steam yard switcher
* Builder: American Locomotive Company
* Builder Works: Brooks Works
* Builder Number: 66298
* Build Date: May 1925
* Photograph Period: Circa 1950
* Subject: Steam locomotive, railroad yard, water tank, and observer
* Historical Theme: Steam-to-diesel transition
* Item Type: Original vintage photographic print
* Color: Black and white
* Orientation: Landscape
* Reverse: Plain
* Photographer: Unidentified
* Location: Unidentified
* Print Generation: Unconfirmed
* Postcard: No
* Framed: No
* Unit of Sale: Single photograph
Condition
Vintage condition with no major tear is visible. Please review all photographs carefully. They show the actual print and are part of the condition description.
Shipping
Ships in a protective sleeve with rigid backing inside a rigid mailer.
Shipping method: $5.99 USPS Ground Advantage
