Models of the
Best Friend of Charleston have
long been of interest to the Charleston Chapter of the National Railway
Historical Society. Special interest has been given to the paper
weight of the replica that was presented to the first passengers of the
locomotive when the replica, built in 1927, made its first trip. The
Chapter has been contacted over the years by owners of the paper
weight, wanting information about it. Since there was
never a record of the names of the passengers in 1927, the information
herein represents the beginning of such a record. This
information will be updated as
new details are available.
PAPER WEIGHT OF REPLICA PRESENTED TO PASSENGERS IN 1927
. . .
Southern Railway System
.
is sending with its compliments
.
a paper weight replica of its
.
first locomotive to
.
Captain John M. LeCato
.
and ventures to hope that he
.
will honour it with a place
.
on his desk.
Fairfax Harrison
President
Washington, D. C.
May 16,
1927
" 7, 1929
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.The paper weight specifications are . . .
Engraved:
Material:
Consist:
Engine
Tender
|
The "Best Friend of Charleston" 1830
First Locomotive on Southern Railway System
VAN GYTENSEEK, INC.
@1927
New York
Metal undetermined
1 5/8" x 5/8"
1 1/4 " x 3/4"
1 1/4" x 3/4"
7 1/2" x 1 3/4"
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Charlie Long Family
Alcoa, TN
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CCNRHS Archives
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Ron Plunkett Family
Isle of Palms, SC
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Judge Clarence Singletary Family
Moncks Corner, SC
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LIONEL LIMITED EDITION . . .
Seven models of the Best Friend were
produced by Lionel in December 2005 for presentation to officials as
Norfolk Southern rang the opening bell at the Stock Market. The
CCNRHS displays their model at special events
throughout the State.
MODEL AT THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE . . .
Smithsonian model built in the Museum Workshop
MODEL ON DISPLAY AT THE CHARLESTON MUSEUM . . .
Southern Railway presented the Charleston Museum a model of the Best Friend in 1961
in celebration of the 131st anniversary of the first trip made by the train.
MODEL ON DISPLAY AT THE BRANCHVILLE SC MUSEUM . . .
photo by T. Burkhalter
MODEL AT AUGUSTA RICHLAND COUNTY MUSEUM IN GA . . .