Albany in Albany County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Site of New York Central Railroad Erector Shop
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, June 25, 2010
1. Site of New York Central Railroad Erector Shop Marker
The New York Central
Railroad erector shop where
Engine 999 was built in 1893.
'999' was the first creation
of man in the history of time
to Travel 100 Miles per Hour
Erected 2003 by the Polish American Citizens Club.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1893.
Location. 42° 40.545′ N, 73° 46.444′ W. Marker is in Albany, New York, in Albany County. Marker is on Commerce Avenue, on the right when traveling west. The marker is posted beside the road near the Polish American Citzens Club at 110 Commerce Ave. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 110 Commerce Avenue, Albany NY 12206, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Swinburne Park (approx. 0.4 miles away); "The Elms" (approx. one mile away); Gen. Henry Knox Trail (approx. 1.3 miles away); Spanish-American War Memorial (approx. 1.3 miles away); Townsend Park (approx. 1.3 miles away); 10th Ward War Memorial (approx. 1.3 miles away); Boats and Music (approx. 1.3 miles away); Albany Soldiers and Sailors Memorial (approx. 1.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Albany.
this page online
Additional commentary.
1. Engine 999
On the afternoon of May 9th, 1893 on the New York Central main line, just west of Batavia, New York, Engine 999 became the first man made vehicle to travel faster than 100 miles per hour when Batavian Charlie Hogan opened the throttle wide in an effort to make up time on the Rochester to Buffalo run.
The 999 Steam Locomotive was a new concept in speed locomotives. Engine 999 was assigned to hail the New York Central Railroad's brilliant new passenger train, the Empire State Express. On May 10, 1893, the 999 became the fastest land vehicle when it reached a record speed of 112.5 mph. The 999 maintained the record for a decade.
Designed by William Buchanan and manufactured by the New York Central Railroad in West Albany, New York in 1893, the 999 was commissioned to haul the Empire State Express, which ran from Syracuse to Buffalo. This relatively smooth run and the 999's cutting-edge design gave the new locomotive an opportunity to make history.
Following its record-setting run, "The World's Fastest Locomotive" toured the country and was displayed at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. After the Exposition, the 999 continued to provide passenger and freight service for many years. The famous locomotive returned to Chicago
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, June 25, 2010
2. Site of New York Central Railroad Erector Shop Marker
The marker is on the right, beside Commerce Ave., in Albany.
Eventually, technological innovation in the railroad industry limited the 999's use. In May of 1952, following a reenactment of its record-breaking run, the 999 was retired from service.
In 1962, the Museum of Science and Industry, located in Chicago, acquired the 999 and displayed it outside. Following a complete restoration from June to October 1993, the 999 was brought inside to its present location in November 1993.
Technical Facts
Fuel: Bituminous Coal
Cylinders: 2 horizontal
Bore: 19"
Stroke: 24"
Steam Pressure: 160 lbs per square inch
Tractive Effort: 16,270 lbs
Drive Wheels: 7'2" diameter
Maximum Speed: 112.5 mph
Total Weight: 124,000 lbs
Original Cost: $13,000
— Submitted June 30, 2010, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York.
Additional keywords. West Albany West Albany Shops
Photographed By Wikipedia
3. New York Central Railroad Engine 999
Postcard by the Albany News Company, circa 1912
4. New York Central Railroad Shops at West Albany, Albany, N.Y.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 25, 2010, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. This page has been viewed 2,472 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 25, 2010, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. 4. submitted on January 25, 2015. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
