"Locomotive #143 - Ft. Myers, Florida" Waymark

Long Description:
The Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia built #143 for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad in 1905. Number 143 was used to switch freight cars in rail yards around Charleston, South Carolina. The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad was the first railroad to serve the Ft. Myers area beginning in 1904. Similar steam engines worked A.C.L. tracks in the Ft. Myers area.

Agrico Chemical Company purchased #143 in 1944 for use in Florida's phosphate mining industry around Mulberry. The locomotive hauled cars to and from the mines for interchange with mainline railroads. #143 was retired from service in 1959 and placed on display at Agrico's offices at Pierce.

In the early 1970's #143 was moved to Webster, FL and displayed at the short-lived Orange Belt Railroad. Number 143 was eventually moved to Tampa and stored on a short piece of track near a cement plant. Its condition deteriorated over the years. Prior to being scrapped it was obtained by the Railroad Museum of South Florida in Ft. Myers. Number 143 was moved to Ft. Myers in August 1992, then to Lakes Park in 1995. Restoration work started in 1999 and was completed April 2001.

Locomotive Type: (required): Steam Do you need to pay an entrance fee to view this locomotive? (required): Yes If a fee is required what is the approximate cost for admittance? (optional): The only fee is for parking in Lakes Park where the engine is located. The fee is $1/hr. or $5 for the whole day. How accessible is this locomotive display? (Required): Only touching is allowed. If "other" what is the engine type? (optional): Not listed

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Date Logged Log   12/1/2007 sfwife visited it

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