Industrial Brownhoist Crane

Big Tom: It is a 75-ton Industrial Brownhoist steam crane with serial number 12163, manufactured in 1952 and brought to the Panama Railroad shortly thereafter. It weighs 170,000 pounds and features a dual-hook system for lifting loads. Its primary function was to lift derailed railcars and remove debris from the tracks. It had the capability to rotate 360 degrees, which made it versatile for operating in any direction. Since it was not frequently needed, it was stored most of the time at the Balboa roundhouse and brought out to the main lines only when its assistance was required.

By the late 1990s, and before the 5-foot-wide mainlines were eliminated from the railroad, it was decided to preserve this piece of equipment as a symbol of the railroad. It was moved to the track leading to the cold storage depot of the commissary division in Corozal, along with a tank car, where it remains today. This location also houses the administrative offices of the Panama Canal Railway Company. Originally, it was painted light blue with the original Panama Railroad symbol and equipment number 63.

The base was painted yellow and light blue. Later, the Panama Canal Railway Company changed its paint scheme to black and white.