Mesa Desert Railroad 230 Class

Prior to the purchase of the 440 Class Pacifics, the Mesa Desert Railroad turned to the Richmond Locomotive Works for a mixed-traffic locomotive that could handle both swift passenger and freight and, in 1900, just at the turn of the century, 9 4-6-0s of 1896 design were built for the fledgling railroad under the ATSF's eye. The locomotives were able to turn a swift profit on fast passenger limiteds and oil trains out of Los Angeles county. During World War I, two were donated for the war effort, followed by one in World War II for scrap metal, leaving six still surviving well into the 21st century, albiet in smaller roles such as light passenger and freight switching.

230 was the first of the nine built in 1900, and displays the MDRR's "gaudy green" scheme applied in 1992 for the railroad's 100th anniversary, she's usually seen hauling produce and special freight loads from and to various wineries in Napa Valley.

2239 was one of the locomotives lost in World War II for surplus scrap. She worked the Pacific Electric railway in 1922 to 1935 as a freight hauler, through the busy streets of Los Angeles County. To supplement her street running, she was given an SP "splitter" stack that directed smoke away from the power lines, a WABCO "trombone" whistle to conform to quiet running regulations, and a false pantograph to trip grade crossings.