06/03/2026
Today is an important piece of WF&P history, and to understand why we have to go international today!
Born June 3rd 1876, Henry Greenly was born in England and became one of the trend setters of model engineering on a grand scale. He designed locomotives, passenger cars and even the right of way for folks to have a complete railroad.
In 1925 he was contacted about designing two locomotives for the Canadian Pacific Railway for the 1926 worlds fair in Philadelphia. Built by Francis Theakston light railway equipment to Greenly's designs at a cost of $25,000 in 1925 money, works numbers 3306 and 3307 were tested in England before being shipped to the United States.
Following the worlds fair the two engines were sold onto private owners. This is where the WF&P comes into play, in 1949 works number 3306 was purchased by the organization for $5,000 which I included the locomotive and 14 passenger cars also from the 1926 worlds fair. The engine was mechanically assessed and entered traffic as WF&P 400 later that year. The 400 has become a flag ship for us over the years, being one of the strongest locomotives we own.
Lost for a time but not forgotten was works number 3307, in Florida for a time, then in Kansas for several decades, including being converted to 16" gauge. The two "Greenly Pacific's" were reunited for the first time since 1926 when a generous donation from a member allowed us to purchase 3307 in 1996 and over 2 years convert it back to 12" gauge and run her along side 400 the engine was numbered 401 to be the next engine in that class of locomotives. Unfortunately neither engine is running currently as 400 needs a full running gear rebuild and 401 needs running gear and boiler work. 401 is in progress of being restored to service while 400 will come after 401.
We applaud Henry Greenly for how well engineered both locomotives are, as despite needing a lot of work the design of these locomotives is second to none. Happy birthday Mr. Greenley.
