In 1891 the Boston and Montana Consolidated Copper and Silver Mining Company broke ground for a copper reduction works on the banks of the Missouri river across from the City of Great Falls. An electrolytic copper refinery and a furnace refinery were built the next year, which made possible the treatment from ore to commercial products. In 1910 the Anaconda Copper Mining Company took over the properties, designating them as the Great Falls Reduction Department. The operation gradually changed from copper concentrating and smelting to refining, wire and cable manufacture, and electrolytic zinc and cadmium production.
An electric railway system moved materials between the various departments. Nine miles of standard gauge track was supplied power by third rail carrying 550-volt direct current. Motive power included a 40-ton motor, a 35-ton motor, four 25ton motors, a 15-ton motor, and two 10-ton motors.
This locomotive was originally number .03 of the Missoula Street Railway, Montana Power Company purchased the street railway. On the streetcar line it would have been used to haul freight on the trolley line. The motor was later sold to Anaconda Copper Co. and renumbered to L351.
This type of freight motor is typically called a steeple cab. The cab was designed to give the operator a clear view no matter which direction the motor was pulling. This way the locomotive would never have to be turned around.
Technical Information
- Car #: 351
- Year Built: 1903
- Builder: General Electric
- Operator: Missoula Street Railway
- Car Type: 45 Ton Freight Motor
- Year Museum acquired:
- Common Name: Steeple Cab (35 Ton)
- Track Gauge: Standard
- # of trucks/Wheels: 2 Trucks/8 wheels
- Car Status: In Restoration
- Other details: Originally numbered .03
