TEXT version of

US ARMY One Lucky Locomotive

PUBLISHED Fall, 2001 in Rail Lines.

US Army'101 is the sole survivor if 150 such 2-8-0s built by the

Baldwin Locomotive Works during WWI specifically for the U.S. War
Department. At the time of construction, the entire class was
fitted with French-style cabs and other European features in
preparation for shipment overseas to aid the war effort.
Railroads, both European and those of the American Expeditionary
Forces, played a key role supplying the troops during the
conflict.

Considering it was the "war to end all wars,” and if a steam

locomotive can be considered lucky... #8341, as it was then
numbered, did not go to Europe as originally planned. Rather it
saw duty as a switcher at Ft. Monroe, Va.

During 1918, the U.S. Army began referring to these 150 loco-
motives and 510 more 2-8-0s on order with Baldwin, as the
"Pershing" class in honor of Gen. John "Blackjack" Pershing,
Commander of the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe
during WWI.

Seeing that the locomotive was not slated for European duty, #101
underwent modifications in 1925. Its original cab was replaced
with one more suited for use in the U.S. and the other European
fixtures were removed. The locomotive continued its state-side
service, including switching duties at two southern
military bases during WWII, until it was put in storage in 1945.

In 1947, the Military Assistance Advisory Group was established to

assist the Korean National Railroad with its rebuilding after the
Japanese occupation of WWII. U.S. military advisors found the
railroad severely lacking of motive power and asked that surplus
locomotives be shipped in. Along with 100 engines
from Europe came #101 from the U.S. Hence,its number.

During the Korean War (1950-53), #101 was finally involved in

combat, hauling troops and supplies between Pusan and Seoul. After
being shot up, members of the 765th Transportation Shop rebuilt
the locomotive, renumbering it #765. It saw further duty as a
switcher around Pusan until its retirement at war's end.
Interestingly, the original order which included #101, was placed
on July 17, 1917. The entire order was completed on October 1,
1917 and is believed to be the most urgently constructed
locomotive order in history. During peak 2-8-0
production for the military (1917-1918), Baldwin produced nearly
300 units per month.