Northwestern Steel & Wire, located in Sterling, Ill., beside Chicago & North Western’s east-west main line, cut up untold numbers of steam locomotives in the 1950s and early ’60s to provide raw material for its furnaces. Among the condemned engines entering the plant were 15 Grand Trunk Western 0-8-0s, which arrived in 1960. NS&W spared these locomotives, keeping 8 in serviceable condition as plant switchers. Back when they were still “new,” Nos. 73 (ex-GTW 8373) and 25 (8325) steamed beside Miller Street on a crisp November 4, 1965.
Photo by Robert W. Bullermann
