Re: Oregon Lumber Company #100

The #100 was essentially the OLC road engine until the #7 showed up. The longest hauls typically went to her as she was well-liked and the most modern locomotive they had until the #7, though as Bret mentioned they did use her on the branches as well. Besides being used on the main up the Middle Fork, I remember Elvin saying she was used a lot on the ex-SVRy main over Dixie when the OLC was logging it around 1937-1938ish. As a matter of fact, I think the third photo Bret posted is of the #100 bringing loads across Kights trestle, which was on Dixie. It also backs up what Elvin had said regarding five or six loads being standard. Bret, Taylor, Jim or someone else can probably correct me on this, but I believe this was more a factor of train length on the tail of the switchback as opposed to what the #100 could handle on the 4%. The empty flat between loads in that picture has always puzzled me. Bad order car? Extra braking effort?
Whenever the #100 is brought up what always comes to my mind is the story of her being offered for sale in South Baker for $500.00 for many years. Several of the old-timers would have loved to save her from the torch, but back then $500.00 for an old Heisler was a lot of money...not to mention what would they do with it once they bought it?!