Back in 2009 there was an Ottaway Steam Enthusiasts Reunion held in Kansas. This information was presented at that time and verified as well as could be by those in attendance such as Harold Chance, Jerry Ottaway, and Carey Williams and other Ottaway owners interested in the history of these locomotives. Many of the pictures and most of the information came from the book “The Book of Chance” By Harold Chance 2003. Additional Pictures from the collection of the C&H Railroad, C. Williams and D. Gunderson.
Ottaway Amusement Company
The Ottaway Amusement Company was Established around 1942 by Lester (LA) Harold and Herbert Ottaway. Lester was the father of Harold and Herb and was basically the financier. Harold basically took care of the business end such as keeping the books. Herb was the mechanic and was instrumental in getting the first steam train repaired.
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Lester Ottaway operating a steam train
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Harold Chance and OttawayHerb Ottaway helped Harold Chance’s Dad, Gerald build a set of 4 miniature gas race cars. These could be taken to small towns and set up on a makeshift racetrack. For several summers these were set up in Manitou Springs so they would not have to be moved every week.
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Harold Chance on one of the race cars built by his father
Colorado Springs 1935
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Chance Racetrack in 1935
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The very first Ottaway actually started life as an International. Herb Ottaway purchased this 12 inch gauge locomotive from Elmer Million at Sandy Beach Park in Wichita. Harold Chance was with Herb when he purchased the engine. “It was literally a piece of junk”. Herb added his steam train to the operation in Colorado.
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Herb Ottaway with the first "Ottaway" in Manitou Springs Colorado
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That locomotive with newer Ottaway cars
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Harold Chance Joins Ottaway
In 1946 Harold Chance was discharged from the army. The Ottaway’s train shop had by this time gotten several orders for trains. Harold was hired to take over the train manufacturing operation so the Ottaways could devote efforts to the new Joyland Park in Wichita.
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Original Ottaway Factory
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Side View of the Factory
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Harold Chance at the Original Factory
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During this time, Harold had his own Ottaway steam train set up at Joyland Park during the summer. |
Harold Chance at the Controls
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The trains could also be transported and Harold took them around to Kansas towns during the off season. He could book all Saturdays from Thanksgiving through Christmas. The fee was $125 plus 25 cents per mile one way.
In 1954 Harold’s contract with Joyland Expired. It was agreed at that time that Joyland would take control of the train ride. The Ottaways would give control of the manufacturing business to Harold. This was the beginning of what would become Chance Manufacturing. The name was not changed until 1960 when they moved to a new facility.
A typical package Consisted of the Following:
Engine
Tender
3 Coaches (One was an observation Car)
320 Feet of Welded Tie, steel track.
Canvas Covers
All for $3000
It is not known for sure exactly how many Ottaway locomotives were manufactured. Records were not kept very well till Harold Chance started keeping them in 1948. There are spotty records before that. Harold Chance produced locomotives 1027 through 1089 and records for all but 2 of these as to where they went were documented. It is believed that after the First "Ottaway" dubbed Number 1, that the Ottaways started with Locomotive 1010 and built through 1026. A number of these have been accounted for but others still remain a mystery as to where they went and where they are now. The total number of Ottaway locomotives is believed to be 100 at most.
Most Ottaway locomotives were of the 4-4-0 wheel arrangement.
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A 4-4-0 running at Joyland Park
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There were 2 4-6-0 wheel arrangement locomotives built. One was built in 1948 with the serial number of C-19-1042 and then the last locomotive built in 1958 with the serial number of C-65-1089. Both of these locomotives ended up in Harold Chance's collection which, after his death, now belong to his son Richard.
Early Vs. Later Ottaways
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Wiring changed significantly with the later addition of a generator
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The addition of cylinder cocks and a sander which could be operated by a lever was a major change as well. Older locomotive cylinder cocks had to be open and closed by hand.
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The last major addition was air brakes
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If you have any additional knowledge or information, drop a note to me in the comments.
The locos look solid. Wish I were closer to being ready to put rails on my new property. So, I'll keep looking on here. All the best, Pete
ReplyDeleteHi Peter Yes, track work is next for us as well. Good luck with your train and thanks for visiting!
DeleteMe and my papaw own an Ottawa locomotive no.1066
ReplyDeleteNice! Do you run it?
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ReplyDelete