Bakersfield in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Southern Pacific Engine #2914
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
1. Southern Pacific Engine #2914 Marker
This locomotive, among the largest and most powerful on the Southern Pacific Railroad system, supported the growth and development of the San Joaquin Valley and the West.
Engine #2914, called a 4-8-0 because of its wheel configuration, is characteristic of the type of locomotive used in freight service by railroads in the early 1900s. Built by the Schenectady Locomotive Works, 4-8-0 locomotives pulled well for their size, yet were easy to operate.
As the years passed they were extensively upgraded and modernized until the efficiency of diesel-powered locomotives made them obsoleteBuilt in 1898, this locomotive arrived in Bakersfield in 1901 and served the local area until 1955. Originally a coal burner, it was soon converted to burning oil.
The engine hauled freight over the Tehachapi Mountains, on the McKittrick, Sunset, and Oil City Branches of the railroad and was utilized in the Southern Pacific yard in East Bakersfield. The Southern Pacific Railroad donated Engine #2914 in 1955.
Erected by Kern County Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1898.
Location. 35° 23.531′ N, 119° 1.272′ W. Marker is in Bakersfield
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Joaquin Valley, specifically in the Central Valley, and in the Sierra Nevada. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bena Depot (a few steps from this marker); Santa Fe Caboose #1323 (a few steps from this marker); Haggard House (a few steps from this marker); Southern Pacific Railroad Jail (a few steps from this marker); Railroad Flagmans Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Gazebo (within shouting distance of this marker); Joss House (within shouting distance of this marker); Railroad Scale House and Telephone Booth (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bakersfield.
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
2. Southern Pacific Engine #2914 and Marker
3. Photos Displayed on Marker
Upper Photo:
A major complaint about the coal burning steam locomotives was the smoke, cinders and soot they discharged.
Lower Photo:
To bring the locomotive to the museum, tracks were laid off of the line that still runs south of the museum grounds.
A major complaint about the coal burning steam locomotives was the smoke, cinders and soot they discharged.
Lower Photo:
To bring the locomotive to the museum, tracks were laid off of the line that still runs south of the museum grounds.
4. Photos Displayed on Marker
Upper Photo:
The Southern Pacific depot and yard in East Bakersfield, circa 1911.
Lower Photo:
Employees of the Southern Pacific Railroad standing in front of the depot in East Bakersfield, circa 1900.
The Southern Pacific depot and yard in East Bakersfield, circa 1911.
Lower Photo:
Employees of the Southern Pacific Railroad standing in front of the depot in East Bakersfield, circa 1900.
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
5. Sign Next to Marker
This 1898 steam locomotive served the San Joaquin Division of the Southern Pacific Company from 1900 to 1955. In its day one of the largest and most powerful engines in the world. 2914 operated in the Tehachapi Mountains both in road service and as a helper. It also served on the McKittrick, Sunset and Oil City branches, and later became a switch engine in the yard. 2914 was presented to the Kern County Museum by the Southern Pacific Company in 1955.
Statistics on Engine:
Engine No. 2914: Tender No. 7809: Date in service Nov. 1898: Date retired from service March 1955
Type 4-8-0 Oil burner; cylinder diameter 21-in.; diameter of drive wheels 54-in.; light weight 173,800 lbs. plus 66,500 lbs. (tender): loaded weight 201,500 lbs. plus 163,400 lbs. (tender).
Tractive power 42,210 lbs.; builder Schenectady Locomotive Works: builders No. 4807
Water capacity of tender 8,828 gal.; oil capacity of tender 3,018 gal.
Type 4-8-0 Oil burner; cylinder diameter 21-in.; diameter of drive wheels 54-in.; light weight 173,800 lbs. plus 66,500 lbs. (tender): loaded weight 201,500 lbs. plus 163,400 lbs. (tender).
Tractive power 42,210 lbs.; builder Schenectady Locomotive Works: builders No. 4807
Water capacity of tender 8,828 gal.; oil capacity of tender 3,018 gal.
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
6. Southern Pacific Engine #2914
Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2018. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 3,487 times since then and 82 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 18, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
