Something a bit different, but over the course of time we will explore the various locomotives in the railroad logging operations of the region. Lassen Lumber & Box was a relatively small operation when compared to it neighbors Fruit Growers and Red River. In addition, its railroad logging operation only lasted a decade starting in the 1919 season.
In 1923, Lassen Lumber purchased a brand new Baldwin locomotive they numbered the 25. It seemed only fitting to have this go with their new logging camp Lasco on the north side of Peg Leg Mountain. But the good times did not last long and by 1929 the company would abandon logging due to a dwindling timber supply compounded by glut of lumber on the market. They sold the No. 25 to the Red River.Lumber Company. In 1938, Red River in turn sold the No. 25 to Modesto & Empire Traction Company. What became of it after that, I do not know.
The Baldwin b/n 56403, a 2-6-2, built in 1923, tagged unit #7 after its purchase from RRLC in 1938 by M&ET is shown on their roster as used in its last year’s as a backup steam boiler for Modesto canning plants, as well as some freight service as late as 1951. It was sold for scrap, and left M&ST service on April 24 1952.