Central of Georgia Railway Steam LocomotivesThe classifications given by railroads to their steam locomotive fleets were as varied as the machines themselves with several different designations within a particular class! The Central of Georgia Railway steam locomotives were likewise characterized by a wide range of types from C to P, even though overall in comparison to other Class Is the railroad's fleet was rather small. In any event, the information here is most certainly not a complete, all-time listing of CoG's steam fleet and also is merely meant to list the general types of steam locomotives operated by the railroad.
For being a rather small Class I the Central of Georgia rostered some large steam locomotives including 2-10-2 Santa Fes, 4-8-4 Northerns which were known as Big Apples on the CoG, and 2-8-2 Mikados (or "MacArthurs"). Today, none of the Central's largest steam locomotives survive but five still do including a trio of 2-8-0 Consolidations. The CoG's Type C included its fleet of 2-8-0 Consolidations. The CoG's Type E included its fleet of 4-4-0 Americans. The CoG's Type J included its fleet of 2-10-2 Santa Fes. The CoG's Type K included its fleet of 4-8-4 Big Apples.
The CoG's Type M included its fleet of 4-8-2 Mountains. The MacArthurs were the official name given to the Central's fleet of 2-8-2 Mikados due to the United States' involvement in World War II at time and fighting against Japan. The CoG's Type P included its fleet of 4-6-2 Pacifics. The CoG's Type S included its roster of 0-6-0 switchers. The CoG's Type T included its two lone 4-6-0 Ten-Wheelers.
For more reading on the Central of Georgia Railway you may want to consider the book Central of Georgia Railway by authors Jackson McQuigg, Tammy Galloway, and Scott McIntosh. The book gives a definitive history on the railroad, particularly after 1940 during the transition into the diesel era and final days before being taken over by the Frisco. If you have any interest in the Central or would like to learn more about it, this book is a must read and you should not be disappointed with it. Also, consider Perfecting the American Steam Locomotive by author J. Parker Lamb. As the name implies the book details the earliest history of steam engine technology, even before it was used in railroad applications. His book later explores the development of steam locomotive technology in the United States from the 19th through the 20th centuries, covering not only the most popular steam locomotive designs but also the most successful manufactures to build them. The book has received excellent reviews and is a great resource on steam locomotives and a fine reference tool; you should find it very useful. If you're interested in perhaps purchasing either (or both) of these books please visit the links below which will take you to ordering information through Amazon.com, the trusted online shopping network.
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