The Blackstone Valley Railroad

The Blackstone Valley Railroad

by Richard Mercer Crocker

The Miniature Locomotive, November-December 1954



Nestled in the Blackstone Valley of Massachusetts and Rhode Island is the most fascinating 800 feet of railroad I have seen for some time.

Located on Route 126 a short distance from Woonsocket, Rhode Island, in North Bellingham, Massachusetts, is the Blackstone Valley Railroad, owned by George and Thelma Lakeman. Starting two and a half years ago as a hobby, it has since become a commercial operation catering to the unfortunate children (and adults) who have never seen the greatness of a full scale reciprocating steam engine. Since that time it has carried nearly 15,000 fare paying passengers.

Mr. Lakeman has built three smaller live steamers, but this present Pacific type power is his latest.

For the benefit of technically minded steam fans, the following was supplied by the builder. The locomtive is a 1-1/2 inch scale Pacific. Her boiler is 10 inches inside diameter and carries from 75 to 100 pounds pressure. Cylinders are 3 inch by 3-1/4 inch. Weight of the locomotive, according to Mr. Lakeman, is 1400 pounds in running order. Her frame alone, without boiler and cab, is 650 pounds. The forward coupler is an authentic working type, while the others are strictly link and pin units. The tender for Number 476 carries 100 pounds of coal and 20 gallons of water in addition to a seat for its combination fireman and engineman. The unit as a whole pulls seven tons.

Rolling stock in addition to the locomotive includes 3 SKB roller bearing bench type cars and one gondola, all of which are equipped with combination arch bar and Bettendorf trucks.

The locomotive building hobby of Lakeman was started about 1935 and has been growing larger with each new addition.

The name, Blackstone Valley Railroad, may strike a fond note in the heart of juice fans, for it was along in front of this steam locomotive's engine-house that the old Blackstone Valley Line formerly operated. (It was, way before the author's time, so he cannot help you on details of the latter).

Mr. and Mrs. Lakeman would, of course, be very happy to see any live steam man and his or her family.



Bear in mind that this locomotive is not a toy, not one of those amusement park devices made of stamped sheet metal with an electric motor under its bonnet for power. This is something that might well please any mechanically-minded person and more especially those who appreciate fine crafstmanship in steam locomotives.

If you can, get down to the Blackstone Valley Road and experience the thrill of clicking 3/8 inch by 1 inch rail, the sound of the exhaust as Number 476 goes into a grade, or the smell of valve oil and coal smoke as she rolls aound one of those curves!