Indeed there is some new data! Specifically, Gerald Best may have gotten the construction numbers of the two Stockton & Ione engines confused.
In his
Mason Steam Locomotives (2004), Arthur W. Wallace lists Mason C/N 551 as Stockton & Ione No. 1, 'Stockton', built with 10 x 16" cylinders and 42" drivers.
The engine was shipped west to CA in crates, dismantled, and appears to have languished in Stockton for some time in that state. However Wallace believes based on newspaper accounts that it did indeed operate on the S&I, both in the construction then later the dismantling of the railroad. It was later purchased by the used equipment dealers Preston & McKinton, who sold it on to the Seattle & Walla Walla Railway where it became the 'A. A. Denny'.
The conversion from a 0-4-4T to 0-6-4T appears to have been done in-house by the S&WW, not by Mason. Wallace summarizes: "Considering the possibly limited tooling available in this remote area, it seems miraculous that the conversion was accomplished, a testimony to the capabilities of those involved. It was supplied with new cylinders with 2" larger bore, and new drive wheels 9" smaller in diameter, both supplied from local foundries. A new or significantly modified frame was involved, which incorporated a massive set of hold-up castings at the front of the boiler" (page 105).
Stockton & Ione #2, 'Amador' (C/N 552) had its own conversion adventure after the demise of the S&I. Shortly after the engine was returned to Mason, the Covington, Columbus & Black Hills placed an order for a second 42" gauge 0-6-6T for their line. Mason decided to convert 'Amador' into a near duplicate of the CC&BH's first locomotive, 'Dakota' (Mason C/N 560), not only changing the wheel arrangement but also the gauge. Pretty amazing stuff.
-Philip Marshall
Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 10/24/2014 09:14PM by philip.marshall.
