Reuben Wells locomotive

Description:	Until 1868, when master mechanic Reuben Wells built his special pusher engine, no train had been able to climb the Madison Hill in Madison, Indiana without help. Because the 55-ton Reuben Wells steam engine was capable of pushing more than 150 tons up the incline, it was known as the worlds most powerful engine! For 30 years, from 1868 until 1898, the Reuben Wells worked as the main engine on the steepest grade (5.9%) regular train track in the world. The Reuben Wells came to The Childrens Museum in 1968 where it was displayed in a shed on the museum grounds until 1975. At that time the engine was moved inside the new building as it was under construction. The Reuben Wells and tool car were installed on the track inside, and the final wall was bricked up behind it.
Source:	http://www.digitalindy.org/cdm/ref/collection/tcm/id/1637
Collection:	The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Rights:	https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/;
Copyright:	Creative Commons (CC By-SA 3.0);
Subjects:	Railroads -- Trains Locomotives Locomotives -- Indiana -- Madison Wells, Reuben Indiana

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