| The Louisiana and Arkansas RR acquired this “Ten Wheeler” directly from the builder, Baldwin Locomotive Works, in 1913. They took delivery of eleven 4-6-0’s that were used in both passenger and freight service. It was designated Engine Number 403 and later renumbered 509. It served the L&A until 1950, when it was sold to the Louisiana and Midland RR, which used it until a head on collision with their own “Mikado,” Engine 551, took it out of service. It was repaired by a private citizen and sold to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in 1982, where the tender was re-lettered with the Louisiana & Arkansas designation. The 509 was acquired by the Friends of the Cookeville Depot Museum in 2002. It was reconfigured to match the large fleet of Baldwin 4-6-0’s operated by the Tennessee Central Railway Company. Its markings were changed accordingly and its numerical designation remained as 509, joining the ranks of its historical sisters- the TC500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, and 507- all “Ten Wheelers” which regularly pulled their cargos past the Cookeville Depot. |