NJ RR&TC 1928 built "John Stevenson" ReplicaThe engine seen here at the Museum of Science and Industry is the FIRST of two Altoona Shops built "John Stevens" replicas. This particular operable engine was built by the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1928, a tribute to the railroad's own heritage as Pennsy's very own roots stem from the Col. John Stevens's railroad - the New Jersey Rail Road and Transportation Company which utilized the actual "John Stevens" prototype steam engine built by Col. John Stevens himself in 1825 on a circular track at his estate at Castle Point, Hoboken, NJ. The state of New Jersey granted America's first railroad charter to Col. John Stevens of Hoboken, to run between New Brunswick and Trenton, NJ. Because of funding difficulties, however, it was never built. Col. John Stevens sons went on to operate the Camden and Amboy Railroad (a PRR predecessor) in the following years utilizing Robert Stephenson's "John Bull".
The second replica built in 1939 is on display at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania and can be seen here.
Note: The Museum of Science and Industry has sold its "John Stevens" at auction October 5th, 2015 for $66,000 including premium. No word yet on its new owner nor location.
