What is a Mason Bogie locomotive, and what are its key characteristics?

Mason Bogie locomotives, also known as Mason Fairlie locomotives, are a type of articulated tank locomotive. They are specifically designed to perform well on sharp curves and uneven railway tracks, making them suitable for narrow-gauge railways, particularly in the United States. An articulated locomotive is one where the driving wheels are mounted on a separate frame that can pivot relative to the main frame, allowing for greater flexibility on curves.

What earlier locomotive design influenced the development of the Mason Bogie?

The Mason Bogie design is a direct development of the Single Fairlie locomotive. The Fairlie locomotive is a type of articulated steam locomotive, and the Single Fairlie variant features a single boiler with one articulated powered truck and a second unpowered truck.

Which company was the American licensee for the Fairlie Patent steam locomotive, and where was it located?

The American licensee for the Fairlie Patent steam locomotive was the firm of William Mason, which was located in Taunton, Massachusetts. This company was instrumental in adapting and developing the Fairlie design for the American market.

What was William Mason's first Fairlie locomotive, and what was its wheel arrangement?

William Mason's first Fairlie locomotive was named the *Janus*, a 0-6-6-0T Double Fairlie, which was built in 1871. A Double Fairlie locomotive has two powered bogies and a boiler that is typically double-ended.

Why was the *Janus* locomotive not commercially successful for William Mason?

The *Janus* locomotive was not commercially successful and its design was not repeated by William Mason, leading the company to explore different designs for articulated locomotives.

What was the first Mason Bogie locomotive, and when was it completed?

The first Mason Bogie locomotive was named the *Onward*, a 3 ft (914 mm) gauge 0-4-4T, which was completed on July 1, 1872. This locomotive marked the beginning of the Mason Bogie production line.

Which railroads initially used the *Onward* locomotive?

The *Onward* locomotive first entered service on the American Fork Railroad shortly after its completion in 1872, and subsequently, it was moved to the Eureka and Palisade Railroad in 1873.

What initial design problems were identified with the *Onward* and early Mason Bogies?

Early Mason Bogies, including the *Onward*, experienced several design issues such as bolts working loose, center castings being too light, and insufficient steam pipes and gaskets. Additionally, poor tracking and excessive flange wear on the leading driver set were noted problems.

How did William Mason address the issues with steam delivery in his redesigned Bogies?

William Mason redesigned the faulty castings and developed a new steam delivery system. In this improved system, the pivot point for the leading truck was transformed into a hollow ball joint, through which live steam for the cylinders could pass, improving the articulation and steam flow.

What innovation did Mason introduce for the exhaust system of his articulated locomotives?

Mason developed a sliding seal for the exhaust system, which allowed the exhaust from the moving cylinder saddle to effectively enter the smoke box. This was a crucial improvement for maintaining efficient operation in an articulated design.

What type of valve gear did Mason typically use on his Bogies, and why was it mounted unusually high?

Mason's improvements to the steam delivery system took up space between the driving wheels, necessitating the use of an outside valve gear, generally the Walschaerts valve gear. Due to the rotating truck and tight clearances, the reversing shaft for this valve gear had to be mounted on top of the boiler, with a long lifting link connecting it to the radius rod, a unique feature of Mason Bogies.

What was required to mitigate the poor tracking issues in early Mason Bogies?

Despite the articulated drivers, early Mason Bogies suffered from poor tracking and excessive flange wear on the leading driver set. To address this, the use of a pilot truck was required, which is a small, unpowered truck placed at the front of the locomotive to guide it into curves.

What was the fate of the *Onward* locomotive after its initial service, highlighting its demand?

Despite its early design problems, the *Onward* was in high demand. It was eventually brought back under the Union Pacific (UP) from Nevada to the Utah and Northern Railway, even amidst protests from the Nevada Central, which owned the locomotive at the time.

How many Mason Bogie locomotives were produced by the Mason Machine Works, and during what period?

The Mason Machine Works produced a total of 148 Bogie locomotives between 1872 and 1890. This production period saw the firm become a significant manufacturer of these specialized articulated engines.

What proportion of Mason Bogies were narrow-gauge units compared to standard gauge?

Of the 148 Mason Bogies produced, 96 were narrow-gauge units, while the remaining were standard gauge. Narrow-gauge railways have a track width smaller than the standard 4 ft 8.5 in (1,435 mm).

Which railroad was the largest customer for Mason Bogies, and how many did they own?

The Boston, Revere Beach and Lynn Railroad was a major buyer, owning 32 Mason Bogies. This suburban carrier relied heavily on these locomotives for its operations.

Which railroad was the largest standard gauge customer for Mason Bogies?

The Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway was the largest standard gauge customer for Mason Bogies, acquiring 16 locomotives of this type.

Which railroad owned the largest narrow-gauge Mason Bogies?

The Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad, a common-carrier railroad in Colorado, owned 23 Mason Bogies, which were noted as the largest built for narrow gauge.

How were the smaller Mason Bogies described when used on the Utah & Northern Railway in 1884?

In 1884, the smaller Mason Bogies operating on the Utah & Northern Railway were described as 'large and powerful,' indicating their effectiveness despite their size.

What happened to the copies of the Denver, South Park and Pacific's largest engines?

Copies of the Denver, South Park and Pacific's biggest engines were initially built for the Denver, Utah & Pacific. These were subsequently sold to the Burlington and Northwestern Railway, which was a CB&Q subsidiary located in Iowa.

What was the ultimate fate of most of the Denver, South Park and Pacific's Mason Bogies?

The Denver, South Park and Pacific's engines were heavily used in Utah, and by 1894, all but one were gone. The single remaining locomotive survived through a series of owners until 1942.

How did the Boston, Revere Beach and Lynn Railroad continue to acquire Bogie-type locomotives after Mason Machine Works ceased production?

The Boston, Revere Beach and Lynn Railroad, which almost exclusively used Mason Bogies, continued to order Bogie types even after Mason Machine Works stopped locomotive production in 1890. Copies were subsequently built for them by the Taunton Locomotive Manufacturing Company, then by Manchester Locomotive Works, and finally by the American Locomotive Company.

When were the Boston, Revere Beach and Lynn Railroad's Mason Bogies taken out of regular service?

The Boston, Revere Beach and Lynn Railroad's Mason Bogies were taken out of regular service in 1928 when the railroad completed its electrification. However, two engines were kept for specialized tasks like snowfighting and work trains.

What particular strength did Mason Bogies demonstrate in service?

Mason Bogies demonstrated considerable strength in snowfighting. F. G. Brownell of the Burlington & Lamoille reported that their *Mansfield* locomotive could easily free itself from snowdrifts that were 'higher than the cab' with minimal difficulty.

How many Mason Bogie locomotives are known to have survived to the present day?

Only one Mason Bogie locomotive is known to have survived to the present day. This sole survivor is named *Torch Lake*.

Where can the surviving Mason Bogie locomotive, *Torch Lake*, be found today?

The surviving Mason Bogie, *Torch Lake*, is located at Greenfield Village, which is part of The Henry Ford museum complex in Dearborn, Michigan. Greenfield Village is an outdoor living history museum that showcases historical buildings and exhibits.

What type of locomotive is the surviving *Torch Lake*, and what is its current use?

The *Torch Lake* is a standard gauge 0-6-4 Mason Bogie, built in 1873. It continues to haul passengers during the summer months at Greenfield Village, providing a living example of this historic locomotive type.

How does a Forney locomotive compare to a Mason Bogie in terms of design?

The Forney locomotive is superficially similar to the Mason Bogie, as both designs feature powered axles located beneath the boiler and a trailing truck situated under the rear bunker and tank behind the cab. However, a key difference is that the Forney's driving wheels are fixed within the frame, whereas the Mason Bogie's driving wheels are articulated, meaning they can pivot.

What was the significance of the *Wm. Mason* locomotive, an 1874 0-6-6 Mason Bogie?

The *Wm. Mason* locomotive, an 1874 0-6-6 Mason Bogie, holds historical significance as the first locomotive built in the United States to incorporate Walschaerts valve gear. It was also noted for its intricate decorative work, showcasing the aesthetic craftsmanship of the era.

What notable features were present on Boston, Revere Beach & Lynn #6, an 1886 Mason Bogie?

Boston, Revere Beach & Lynn #6, an 1886 2-4-4 Mason Bogie produced by Mason Machine Works, featured a deep firebox, which was made possible by its configuration. Additionally, it had a high reversing shaft located below the bell, connected to the valve gear radius rod by a long lifting link, a characteristic design element of Mason Bogies.

What information is available about Mason Bogie #10 from Mason Machine Works?

Mason Bogie #10 was a 2-4-4T locomotive built by Mason Machine Works in Taunton, Massachusetts, in 1887. A photograph of this locomotive was taken behind the Lynn, MA Train Station of the Boston, Revere Beach and Lynn Railroad, and the image source is the Lynn Museum.

What is an articulated locomotive, as referenced in the context of Mason Bogies?

An articulated locomotive is a type of railway engine where the driving wheels are not rigidly fixed to the main frame but are instead mounted on separate bogies or trucks that can pivot. This design allows the locomotive to navigate sharper curves more effectively, which is particularly useful on challenging railway lines.

What is a tank locomotive, a classification applied to Mason Bogies?

A tank locomotive is a steam locomotive that carries its water and fuel (coal or oil) in tanks and bunkers mounted on the locomotive's main frame, rather than in a separate tender car. This design makes the locomotive self-contained and often more compact.

What is Walschaerts valve gear, and why was its use significant for Mason Bogies?

Walschaerts valve gear is a type of steam locomotive valve gear that controls the admission and exhaust of steam to the cylinders. Its use was significant for Mason Bogies because design improvements to the steam delivery system required an outside valve gear, and Walschaerts was generally chosen, leading to unique mounting configurations for the reversing shaft.

What is a bogie in the context of railway vehicles?

A bogie, also known as a truck in North American English, is a chassis or framework carrying wheels, attached to a vehicle. In locomotives, bogies can be powered (driving bogies) or unpowered (carrying bogies), and they allow for flexibility and improved tracking, especially on uneven or curved tracks.

What is the Mason Machine Works, and what was its role in locomotive manufacturing?

The Mason Machine Works was a manufacturing firm located in Taunton, Massachusetts, that served as the American licensee for the Fairlie Patent steam locomotive. The company was a significant producer of locomotives, including 148 Mason Bogies between 1872 and 1890, representing about half of its total locomotive output during that period.

What is a narrow-gauge railway, and why were Mason Bogies well-suited for them?

A narrow-gauge railway is a railway with a track gauge narrower than standard gauge (1,435 mm or 4 ft 8.5 in). Mason Bogies were particularly well-suited for narrow-gauge railways, especially in the United States, because their articulated design allowed them to navigate the sharp curves and uneven tracks often found on such lines.

What is the difference between narrow-gauge and standard gauge railways in the context of Mason Bogie production?

Narrow-gauge railways have a track width smaller than the standard gauge, which is 4 ft 8.5 inches (1,435 mm). Mason Machine Works produced both narrow-gauge and standard gauge Mason Bogies, with 96 of the 148 locomotives being narrow-gauge units, indicating their primary application on smaller, more challenging lines.

What is the significance of the high reversing shaft and long lifting link in Mason Bogie valve gear?

The high reversing shaft mounted on top of the boiler with a long lifting link dropping down to the radius rod is a unique feature of Mason Bogies. This configuration was necessitated by the rotating leading truck and the tight clearances within the locomotive's design, allowing the outside Walschaerts valve gear to function effectively despite the space constraints.

What role did the American Fork Railroad play in the early history of Mason Bogie locomotives?

The American Fork Railroad was the first railway to put the *Onward*, the very first Mason Bogie locomotive, into service on July 1, 1872. This marked the operational debut of the Mason Bogie design.

How did the Eureka and Palisade Railroad contribute to the early service history of Mason Bogies?

The Eureka and Palisade Railroad was the second railway to operate the *Onward*, acquiring the locomotive in 1873 after its initial service on the American Fork Railroad. This demonstrated the early adoption and demand for Mason Bogies.

What was the role of the Utah and Northern Railway in the use of Mason Bogies?

The Utah and Northern Railway was a significant user of Mason Bogies, particularly the smaller units, which were described as 'large and powerful' on their lines in 1884. The *Onward* locomotive was also eventually moved to the Utah and Northern Railway, highlighting the demand for these engines in the region.

What was the Boston, Revere Beach and Lynn Railroad's unique relationship with Mason Bogie locomotives?

The Boston, Revere Beach and Lynn Railroad almost exclusively used Mason Bogies, owning 32 of them. Their reliance on this design was so strong that they continued to order Bogie-type locomotives from other manufacturers even after Mason Machine Works ceased production in 1890, until electrification in 1928.

What was the Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad's experience with Mason Bogies?

The Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad owned 23 Mason Bogies, which were the largest built for narrow gauge. These engines were heavily used in Utah, but most were gone by 1894, with only one surviving until 1942, indicating their intensive service life.

What is a pilot truck, and why was it necessary for early Mason Bogies?

A pilot truck is a small, unpowered set of wheels located at the front of a locomotive, designed to guide the engine into curves and improve stability. For early Mason Bogies, a pilot truck was necessary to address poor tracking and excessive flange wear on the leading driving wheels, despite their articulated design.

What is the primary distinction between a Mason Bogie and a Forney locomotive?

The primary distinction between a Mason Bogie and a Forney locomotive lies in their driving wheels. While both have powered axles under the boiler and a trailing truck, the Mason Bogie features articulated driving wheels that can pivot, whereas the Forney's driving wheels are fixed in the frame.

What was the purpose of the 'See also' section in the article about Mason Bogie locomotives?

The 'See also' section in the article about Mason Bogie locomotives provides a list of related topics for further exploration, including 'Articulated locomotive,' 'Bogie,' 'Mason Machine Works,' and 'Narrow gauge,' which are all concepts directly relevant to understanding the Mason Bogie.

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What is a Mason Bogie?

An Articulated Tank Locomotive

Mason Bogie locomotives, sometimes referred to as Mason Fairlie locomotives, represent a specialized class of articulated tank locomotives. Their design was specifically engineered to excel on challenging railway conditions, particularly those characterized by sharp curves and uneven track profiles. This made them exceptionally well-suited for the narrow-gauge railways prevalent in the United States during their era.

Optimized for Narrow-Gauge

The fundamental advantage of the Mason Bogie lay in its articulated design, which allowed its driving wheels to pivot independently of the main frame. This flexibility was crucial for navigating the tight turns and variable track quality common on narrow-gauge lines, where conventional rigid-frame locomotives would struggle or derail. Their tank locomotive configuration meant they carried their fuel and water on board, eliminating the need for a separate tender and further enhancing their maneuverability.

Evolution from Fairlie Designs

The Mason Bogie design emerged as a significant development from the earlier Single Fairlie locomotive concept. This lineage highlights a continuous pursuit within locomotive engineering to create more adaptable and powerful machines for diverse railway environments, particularly those where infrastructure constraints demanded innovative solutions.

Concept & Development

Early Fairlie Experiments

The journey of the Mason Bogie began with William Mason's firm in Taunton, Massachusetts, which held the American license for the Fairlie Patent steam locomotive. Mason's initial foray into articulated designs was the 1871 Janus, an 0-6-6-0T Double Fairlie. This locomotive, however, did not achieve commercial success, prompting Mason to explore alternative articulated configurations.

The 'Onward' and Initial Challenges

Inspired by Alexander McDonnell's 1869 Single Fairlie 0-4-4T design for the Great Southern and Western Railway in Ireland, Mason developed a new set of standard plans. His first locomotive based on this modified design was the Onward, a 3 ft (914 mm) gauge 0-4-4T completed in July 1872. While largely successful, early operational experience with Onward revealed several design deficiencies, including loose bolts, insufficiently robust center castings, and inadequate steam pipes and gaskets.

Mason's Engineering Refinements

In response to these issues, Mason undertook significant redesigns. He strengthened the faulty castings and innovated a new steam delivery system. A key advancement was the integration of a hollow ball joint at the leading truck's pivot point, through which live steam was supplied to the cylinders. Furthermore, Mason devised a sliding seal mechanism for the exhaust system, connecting the moving cylinder saddle to the smokebox. These improvements, while effective, necessitated the use of an outside valve gear, typically the Walschaerts type, due to space constraints between the driving wheels. A distinctive feature of Mason Bogies was the high mounting of the reversing shaft atop the boiler, requiring a long lifting link to connect to the radius rod, a consequence of the rotating truck and tight clearances.

Understanding the Articulated Design

The articulated nature of the Mason Bogie allowed the driving wheels, mounted on a separate truck, to pivot relative to the main boiler and frame. This was critical for navigating sharp curves without excessive flange wear or binding, a common problem for rigid-frame locomotives on winding narrow-gauge lines.

The Role of Walschaerts Valve Gear

The Walschaerts valve gear, an external mechanism, was adopted due to the limited internal space created by Mason's steam delivery innovations. This type of valve gear is known for its efficiency and ease of maintenance, making it a practical choice despite its external placement.

Addressing Tracking Issues

Despite the articulated drivers, early Bogies experienced poor tracking and excessive flange wear on the leading driver set. This operational challenge ultimately led to the common practice of incorporating a pilot truck, which helped guide the locomotive into curves and reduce wear on the driving wheels, enhancing stability and longevity.

Production & Service

Manufacturing Output

Between 1872 and 1890, the Mason Machine Works produced a total of 148 Mason Bogie locomotives. A significant majority, 96 units, were constructed for narrow-gauge railways, while the remainder were standard gauge. This output represented approximately half of the firm's total locomotive production during this period, underscoring the design's importance to Mason's business.

Key Operators and Deployment

Mason Bogies found widespread adoption among various railway companies, particularly those operating in challenging terrains or with specific operational needs. Notable purchasers included the Boston, Revere Beach and Lynn Railroad, a suburban carrier that acquired 32 units, and the Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad, a Colorado common-carrier, which operated 23 of these locomotives. Other significant buyers were the New York and Manhattan Beach Railroad with 17 units, and the Wheeling and Lake Erie, which was the largest standard gauge customer with 16 locomotives.

Major Mason Bogie Operators (1872-1890)

Railway Company	Gauge Type	Number of Bogies Acquired	Notes
Boston, Revere Beach and Lynn Railroad	Narrow-gauge	32	Suburban carrier, continued ordering after Mason ceased production.
Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad	Narrow-gauge	23	Colorado common-carrier, owned the largest narrow-gauge units.
New York and Manhattan Beach Railroad	(Not specified, likely narrow-gauge)	17
Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway	Standard gauge	16	Largest standard gauge customer.
Utah and Northern Railway	Narrow-gauge	(Multiple smaller units)	Described as "large and powerful" in 1884.

Operational Prowess and Longevity

The Denver, South Park and Pacific's engines, particularly the larger narrow-gauge models, were known for their robust performance, though they were "hard-used" in Utah. Despite this, some, like the Onward, were highly valued and even controversially transferred between railways. The Boston, Revere Beach and Lynn Railroad's reliance on Mason Bogies was so profound that they continued to commission copies from other manufacturers after Mason Machine Works ceased locomotive production in 1890, retaining some for snowfighting until 1928. Notably, their efficacy in snowfighting was a considerable strength, with one account describing a Mansfield model freeing itself from snowdrifts "higher than the cab" with minimal difficulty.

Surviving Legacy

The 'Torch Lake'

Today, only one Mason Bogie locomotive remains preserved: the Torch Lake. This standard gauge 0-6-4 locomotive, built in 1873, is a testament to Mason's engineering. It is housed at Greenfield Village, part of The Henry Ford museum complex in Dearborn, Michigan. Remarkably, the Torch Lake is not merely a static exhibit; it continues to haul passengers during the summer months, offering a tangible connection to the golden age of steam locomotion and the unique capabilities of the Mason Bogie design.

Similar Designs

Mason Bogie vs. Forney Locomotive

While the Mason Bogie stands out for its articulated driving wheels, it shares a superficial resemblance with another notable locomotive design: the Forney locomotive. Both types feature powered axles positioned beneath the boiler and a trailing truck located beneath the rear bunker and tank, behind the cab. However, a critical distinction lies in their running gear: the Forney's driving wheels are fixed within the main frame, lacking the articulation characteristic of the Mason Bogie. Despite this difference, Forney locomotives achieved considerable popularity, particularly on elevated railroads, where their compact design and ability to operate in both directions without turning were advantageous.

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References

William Mason, Improvement in Locomotive Truck Engines, U.S. patent 156,031, granted Oct. 20, 1874.

William Mason, Induction-Pipe for Bogie-Locomotives, U.S. patent 242,464, granted June 7, 1881.

William Mason, Improvement in Locomotives, U.S. patent 177,343, granted May 16, 1876.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Mason Bogie locomotive Wikipedia page

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Articulated Giants

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What is a Mason Bogie? ℹ️

📦 An Articulated Tank Locomotive

🛤️ Optimized for Narrow-Gauge

💡 Evolution from Fairlie Designs

Concept & Development 🛠️

📜 Early Fairlie Experiments

🔄 The 'Onward' and Initial Challenges

🔬 Mason's Engineering Refinements

Understanding the Articulated Design

The Role of Walschaerts Valve Gear

Addressing Tracking Issues

Production & Service 📈

🏭 Manufacturing Output

🌐 Key Operators and Deployment

Major Mason Bogie Operators (1872-1890)

❄️ Operational Prowess and Longevity

Surviving Legacy 🏛️

🌟 The 'Torch Lake'

Similar Designs 🔍

↔️ Mason Bogie vs. Forney Locomotive

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What is a Mason Bogie?

An Articulated Tank Locomotive

Optimized for Narrow-Gauge

Evolution from Fairlie Designs

Concept & Development

Early Fairlie Experiments

The 'Onward' and Initial Challenges

Mason's Engineering Refinements

Production & Service

Manufacturing Output

Key Operators and Deployment

Operational Prowess and Longevity

Surviving Legacy

The 'Torch Lake'

Similar Designs

Mason Bogie vs. Forney Locomotive

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

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Discover other topics to study!

References

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