An original negative dated April 15, 1956 (63 years to the day of this submission), original photographer unknown, from my personal collection:
Pennsylvania Railroad 4-6-2 ('Pacific') K4s #1361 stands outside the Camden, New Jersey* roundhouse just 5 weeks from being 'permanently' retired on May 22 after 38 years and 2.5 million miles of revenue service.
Her retirement wasn't so permanent--she was (briefly) kicked awake for 18 months in the late-1980s, and the two decade long saga that has occurred since needs no further discussion. As the engine I blame the most for this obsession, I'm a little disappointed that I don't actually remember the ride as an infant. But things are really starting to look like I--and many others--will get another chance...😉
*I think. The negative is labelled as Atlantic City, but comparison with another photo of 1361 in Camden from the PA State Archives has the same smoke stack in the background.
