In 1866, Henry Kirke Porter and John smith opened a machine shop in
Pittsburgh and began producing light locomotives for industrial use
under the name Smith & Porter. After a disastrous fire in 1871,
the company dissolved. Both partners eventually went back into the
locomotive business, with Smith forming the National Locomotive
Works which specialized in narrow gauge engines. Henry Porter's
company focused its efforts on building four-wheel saddle tank
locomotives for industry. These were powered by steam, gasoline and
diesel. The company also made a series of compressed air engines
for use in mine haulage. Porter's business thrived and in 1906
delivered almost 400 locomotives. One reason for the company's
success was a result of superior design that utilized a system of
inter-changeable parts across the line. This facilitated rapid
assembly and delivery to customers, and easy maintenance over the
life of the engine. Henry Porter continued to run the company until
1921 when he died at the age of 81. Despite a bankruptcy in 1939,
H.K. Porter continued in business up until 1950 when it was
liquidated.
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