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Detroit, Toledo and Ironton Steam Locomotives

The 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 Detroit, Toledo and Ironton steam locomotives were likewise characterized by a wide range of numerical classes (a bit from the norm as most Class Is of the today distinguished various types of steamers by letters). In any event, the information here is most certainly not a complete, all-time listing of DT&I's steam fleet and also is merely meant to list the general types of steam locomotives operated by the railroad.

The Detroit Toledo and Ironton Railroad had a very interesting history. From its earliest beginnings in the mid-19th century until 1920 the railroad had a very convoluted history and often found itself in bankruptcy court. However, that all changed after the DT&I was purchased by Henry Ford, who turned around the railroad’s fortunes and made it a very profitable operation hauling auto parts from the Detroit region to connections with several east-west trunk lines in Ohio. The railroad eventually would become part of the Pennsylvania system although after the Penn Central collapse it was spun-off and eventually purchased by the Grand Trunk Western Railroad. Today much of the former DT&I system has since been sold to shortline Indiana & Ohio, which continues to operate nearly all of the DT&I’s trackage north of Washington Court House, Ohio.

While the Detroit, Toledo and Ironton Railroad's steam locomotive fleet was quite small it did roster some large types including 2-8-4 Berkshires and 2-8-2 Mikados. Today, a single 4-4-2 Atlantic from its 600 class is the only known DT&I steamer to remain in some state of preservation.

Class 88

The DT&I's Class 88 included its fleet of 2-8-0 Consolidations.

Class 94

The DT&I's Class 94 included more of its fleet of 2-8-0 Consolidations.

Class 100

The DT&I's Class 100 included more of its fleet of 2-8-0 Consolidations.

Class 200

The DT&I's Class 200 included more of its fleet of 2-8-0 Consolidations.

Class 250

The DT&I's Class 250 included its fleet of 0-8-0 switchers.

Class 300

The DT&I's Class 300 included its only roster of 2-10-0 Decapods.

Class 315

The DT&I's Class 315 included its fleet of 2-8-2 Mikados.

Class 400

The DT&I's Class 400 included more of its fleet of 2-8-0 Consolidations.

Class 600

The DT&I's Class 600 included its only roster of 4-4-2 Atlantics.

Class 700

The DT&I's Class 700 included its only roster of 2-8-4 Berkshires.

Class 800

The DT&I's Class 800 included more of its fleet of 2-8-2 Mikados.

For complete roster information regarding Detroit, Toledo and Ironton steam locomotives please click here.

For more reading on steam locomotives like those operated by the DT&I 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.

Also, consider the book American Steam Locomotives from author Brian Solomon. While this publication does not include quite as much technical data as Lamb's book, Perfecting the American Steam Locomotive, it is still a very good resource with lots of information and best of all, is loaded with photographs! 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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