Photo by Tim Bradley Photography
After several scheduling conflicts, Fife’s train engine exhibit finally arrived at its permanent home in Dacca Park on June 26.
The 152,000-ton, C-415 #684 engine made the journey from the former Coast Engine and Equipment Company plant in Tacoma across 54th Avenue. City officials were on hand to welcome the new addition to the city and handle any delays or conflicts associated with the move.
Fife’s engine #684 was built by ALCO in July 1968 and delivered to the Chehalis & Western Railroad, a Weyerhaeuser property in western Washington. Only 26 C-415s were sold and only four survive today.
This particular model is widely regarded as a “lemon” because of the generator/engine split design, which causes it to slip while towing heavy loads.
Engine #684 spent most of its time running on the Curtis, Milburne and Eastern railroads, which later became part of the Chehalis & Western.
The city was able to cut the cost of moving the engine in half due to donations and contributions from local businesses including American Fast Freight, Omega, Tacoma Rail and NesCrane. A dedication for the new engine display is planned for Oct. 2 during the city’s annual Harvest Festival.
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