Rogers Locomotive Works Double Ender, 2-4-4T (the history)
In the 1870s, William Hudson, was the general superintendent of the Rogers Locomotive Works
Up until the 1870s, the generic 4-4-0 had become the loco of choice because of the effective equalization the design
offered. While many engineers had tried in vain to adapt the 4-4-0s equalisation into other loco wheel arrangements,
none were 100% effective. William Hudson in the 1870s saw a need for smaller locomotives for industrial purposes,
this included loco that could run in both directions without the need to turn them. The 4-4-0 was not a good design
for reverse running. So Hudson set about designing a radically different system of equalisation, which later became
pretty much standard for the application of pilot the trailing trucks, connected to the equalizing of the loco.
The locos he designed were for forward and reverse operation, industrial became known as the Rogers 'Hudson Double
Enders'.
Its funny how in the model RR thing, everyone goes ape of Porter..because they were cute, or crazy about Forneys.
But you know, they were not alone in the Industrial Locomotive business. The Rogers works is probably the most
understated organization, considering just how much innovation occurred there...it was Rogers who invented the
Wagon Top boiler, Rogers who designed the balanced valve gear..and the Hudson Doubler Enders...
Rogers locos were also very different in styling, and are immediately recognizable for their styling, with lots of
brass, fluted dome tops etc. They were gorgeous...yet no-one models the Rogers locos. Oh incidentally the
Aristocraft Rogers 2-4-2T was a Hudson Double Ender..
I have the 1884 Rogers catalogue, it contains engravings and spec sheets of the Rogers works from 1873-1884.
The locos in it are unbelievable and I had always intended to build some of them.
This is a Hudson Double Ender, 2-4-4T..most will call it a Forney when they see it, but make no
mistake this is a Rogers Double Ender, featuring Hudson's equalizers. It has many of the Rogers features and
elegance. I should also point out that in 1877, Baldwin moved into their dark green era, and Mason a rich green,
Rogers works tried locos with purple and plum paint jobs. So I was thinking I'd build a Hudson Double Ender, as
built, in plum paint job. The tender would be decorated with the words -"Lady Ryanne".
In building this depending on your minimum radius, it could be done either as a full double ender, with the tender on
the common frame, or if your minimum radius is less than 4ft radius, it could be done as a 2-4-0 with 4 wheel tender.
The chassis as you can see is a bashed Bachmann Porter. I would wait till the new Porter comes out, as the axles wont
be the split type.. and the frame will probably be metal.
There are a whole bunch of Rogers industrial locos you could model, but this one is real cute and is the only one that
has a chassis common with something commercially available!
Here are a couple of images of an actual Rogers 'Hudson Double Enders" that were built for the New Zealand Railways.
These high wheeled 2-4-2 was built in 1877, 42" gauge and is said to have been painted purple when delivered. The
NZR would purchase 8 of these locos in 1877/78, and all provided good service through to the 20s. At that time at
least 5 of the 8 locos were thrown into rivers to help shore up river banks.
Since the 1970s, several railway preservation groups have been pulling rusting locos out of the rivers for restoration,
this Rogers Double Ender was the first recovered in 1975. It took 10 years of dedicated work from Bob Anderson, a man
with a dream..but the rediculous happen..the rusting wreck was returned to operating condition!
In the 1980s a 2nd Rogers 2-4-2 was pulled from the river and restored to working order. Just look at that beauty!
The shots of the Rogers in steam are of the 2nd loco restored.
These shots were taken this year.
The NZR also purchased two 2-4-4T versions of the same loco, but sadly neither have survived.
