CB&Q 2-10-4 Class M-4 6318 by Chuck Zeiler
Via Flickr:
Chicago Burlington & Quincy Railroad 2-10-4 Class M-4 6318 at Centralia, Illinois on May 5, 1941, photograph by R. J. Foster, print by Gordon C. Bassett, Chuck Zeiler collection. This photo presents a date conflict. The print is marked May 5, 1941, but the book, Steam Locomotives of the Burlington Route, indicates number 6318 was rebuilt in December 1939 to Class M-4-A. I usually judge the locomotive as rebuilt by the extra step in the running board just above the front of the firebox, which stepped over the soot blowers, installed during rebuilding. Also during rebuilding the rear sand dome was moved forward and located just ahead of the steam dome. So, one of the two dates appears to be incorrect.