Maumelle Ordnance Works Locomotive 1

Step back in time and explore a unique piece of American industrial history at the Fort Smith Trolley Museum in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where the Maumelle Ordnance Works Locomotive 1 stands as a testament to wartime ingenuity and the evolution of railway technology. This gasoline-powered, mechanically driven, two-axle locomotive, built in 1942 by Vulcan Iron Works, offers visitors a glimpse into a bygone era when the United States was mobilizing for World War II.

The Origins of Maumelle Ordnance Works Locomotive 1

During the early 1940s, as the United States prepared for its involvement in World War II, the War Department established the Maumelle Ordnance Works in Arkansas. This sprawling facility, covering 7,000 acres, was tasked with producing crucial explosives such as picric acid, ammonium picrate, and ammonium nitrate. To efficiently manage the transportation of materials within the facility, the War Department commissioned the construction of Locomotive 1. This little workhorse was designed to move freight cars around the expansive plant, ensuring the safe and timely delivery of essential supplies.

The Maumelle Ordnance Works began production in 1942, and Locomotive 1 played a vital role in the daily operations. The plant operated at full capacity until August 1945, when production ceased following the end of the war. By November of that year, the facility was decontaminated and shut down, marking the end of an era. The land eventually passed through various hands and transformed into the planned community of Maumelle, Arkansas.

A Journey Through Time

After the war, Locomotive 1's journey continued as it was transferred to the Army and renumbered 8223. It found a new home at the Newport Army Air Field, which had been renamed the Marine Corps Air Facility Newport in 1944. The locomotive's exact whereabouts during this period remain a mystery, but by the early 1950s, it had been sold to the Augusta Railroad in Arkansas.

The Augusta Railroad, a short 1.65-mile line connecting Augusta to the Missouri Pacific Railroad, acquired Locomotive 1 to replace an aging steam locomotive. This little gasoline-powered locomotive became an essential part of the Augusta Railroad's operations, handling the transportation needs of the small town. However, as the 1950s progressed, the railroad's traffic gradually shifted to trucks, leading to its eventual abandonment in 1958.

Locomotive 1's story didn't end there. It was purchased by Glenn Taggart and Bing Miller, and later, Tommy Taggart acquired Miller's interest. In June 1988, Tommy Taggart generously donated the locomotive to the Fort Smith Trolley Museum, where it has been preserved and displayed for future generations to appreciate.

A Unique Design

What sets Maumelle Ordnance Works Locomotive 1 apart from other locomotives of its time is its unique design. While most internal combustion locomotives are diesel-electric, Locomotive 1 is a gasoline-powered, mechanically driven marvel. This distinction makes it a rare example of wartime engineering.

The locomotive features a four-speed gearbox that drives a jackshaft under the cab, which, in turn, is connected to the two driving wheels via side rods. This mechanical drive system was a practical choice during the war when materials like copper, essential for electric traction motors, were scarce. The use of a gasoline engine, rather than a diesel engine, was also influenced by wartime availability and the need for efficient resource allocation.

Vulcan Iron Works, the manufacturer of Locomotive 1, continued to produce both gasoline and diesel locomotives during this period. An advertisement from the 1947 Locomotive Cyclopedia highlights the durability and reliability of Vulcan's locomotives, boasting features such as a four-speed, constant-mesh, spur-geared transmission, heat-treated nickel-chromium steel gears and shafts, and a robust suspension system designed to handle rough tracks and minimize derailments.

Preservation and Legacy

In 2006, Maumelle Ordnance Works Locomotive 1 was added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its historical significance and ensuring its preservation for future generations. Today, visitors to the Fort Smith Trolley Museum can marvel at this remarkable piece of history and learn about its vital role during World War II and beyond.

As you explore the museum, take a moment to appreciate the ingenuity and craftsmanship that went into the creation of Locomotive 1. Its story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of American industry during a time of great challenge and change. The Maumelle Ordnance Works Locomotive 1 is not just a relic of the past; it is a symbol of the enduring spirit of innovation that continues to drive progress and shape our world.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a railway aficionado, or simply curious about the past, a visit to the Fort Smith Trolley Museum and the Maumelle Ordnance Works Locomotive 1 is an experience you won't want to miss. Step aboard this fascinating locomotive and embark on a journey through time, discovering the stories and achievements that have defined our nation's history.