Re: Rail, etc. for the expanding RR system

One thing that needs to be realized that during the early 1880s there was a major expansion in the construction of railroads. The economy had recovered from the long depression in the 1870s. This expansion required rails, cars and locomotives. The required industries were both overwhelmed and expanding at this time. Rails had to be obtained from all sources.

In regard to locomotives at this time, I offer this example: I have seen a letter (at U of Nevada, Special Collections) from Baldwin to the Carson & Colorado in 1883 asking if the railroad would be desiring additional locomotives. Baldwin could schedule to build two locomotives a year hence.

Brian Norden