The History of the Rotary Cannonball



The "Rotary Cannonball" was built as Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway number 457 in 1912 at a cost of $18,456.03. Number 457 was part of an order placed by the M&StL for 12 identical consolidation-type locomotives, which were numbered 450 through 461. 'Consolidation' refers to a steam locomotive with two leading wheels, eight powered wheels and no trailing wheels. Using the Whyte system of classification, a consolidation is known as 2-8-0.

Over the years, steam locomotives were updated and improved. Some of the noticeable improvements included extended sides on the tender's coal space to increase the coal carrying capacity in 1916. In 1930, seats were installed in the cab for the fireman and brakeman, and a back was added to the engineer's seat. A mechanically operated fire door was also added to make the fireman's job easier.

Air pipes were added in 1937 for operation of a Jordan spreader. A power reverse gear was added in 1938 and the running board on the engineer's (right) side was raised to pass over it. A second ladder was added to the back of the tender's coal space in 1942 and, in 1944 the fireman's job was finally mechanized with the addition of a Standard stoker. Still later, footboards and a backing headlight were added so that the 457 could perform switching duties in the switching yard.

By late 1950 the M&St.L no longer operated steam locomotives. It was sold to the American Crystal Sugar Company in Mason City. The sugar beet plant used the 457 to switch carloads of sugar beets during the annual beet harvest season. Use of the 457 probably ended when the federally required boiler certification expired.

Exactly when the 457 was last used remains the subject of some speculation but the 'Friends' do know that in September 1959, the locomotive was moved to East Park. The Mason City Noon Rotary Club funded the relocation of the 457 and the nickname "Rotary Cannonball" was first applied.

During its working years, the 457 currently located in Mason City's East Park, moved south from Albert Lea, Minnesota, passing through Mason City and Marshalltown on the way to Oskaloosa in south central Iowa.



As far as the 'Friends of the 457' know, this is the only remaining M&StL Steam Locomotive of this class still standing.



Regarding the 457 Preservation Project:
"I want it to look like a railroad locomotive, like a historical artifact that's being cared for and preserved. It is an important piece of Mason City history ... for what it represents. It (the railway) was the artery through which came the commercial blood that kept towns alive."

-Lewis Eugene 'Gene' Green, El Paso, Texas
Lead Project Manager, 457 Restoration Project
author and historian specializing in
railroad history and freight cars



Since 2005, The Friends of the 457 have hosted over 18,000 visitors
to the locomotive in East Park, and enjoyed the hundreds of stories of
people who played on and around the display when they were kids.
Placed in the park in 1959 by the generous contribution of the Rotary Club
to the people of Mason City, it has been fenced off and inaccessable
for nearly twenty years. Vandels took what they could. It stood as a rusty
hulk, the last of its kind slowly fading away like a forelorn distant whistle
blow. It took the vision of Gene Green, a resident of El Paso, TX, a native
of Chapin, IA, to spark a renewed interest in the "Rotary Cannonball" as it
had become known locally.

The Minneapolis & St. Louis RR ordered construction of the engine in 1912,
and it was in service on that RR until the late 1940s when it was sold to
American Crystal Sugar to switch carloads of beets and coal at the Mason City
plant. It saw service in Minnesota and Iowa, as as a troop train during WW2.
The Friends of the 457 have focused on a cosmetic restoration to the era of
the 1940s while still associated with the railroad, reflecting its broad service
to North Iowa and the surrounding region.

Many have expressed their appreciation that the locomotive is once again
available to the public. With volunteer help, and the generous donations
of individuals, businesses, and foundations, the 457 has once again come
to life to give opportunities for fun and adventure, education, and
preservation of local history.

The Friends of the 457 invite you to help in our effort to preserve this
popular attraction to Mason City and East Park. Railroad buffs from across
the nation are inquiring about it. Charter Bus and school tours have stopped.
Historical Conventions have put it on their agenda. But to help preserve it, to
develop its historical and tourist potential, and maintain its integrity for years
to come, the Friends of the 457 ask your help.

Your generous donation will help preserve and enhance this attraction for another
whole generation of kids, young and old, to learn about steam engines, commerce,
engineering, transportation, and their grandfathers and great-grandfathers.
All aboard! The 457 is ready to go!
How about you?