The Monson Narrow Gauge Railroad company began construction in the spring of 1883 with $70,000 in Capital Stock. By September 4, 1883 the first train arrived at the Monson Station and the Company continued operations until 1943.

Engines No. 1 and 2 were built by Hinckley and weighted 28,000lb each. Later No. 1 would become a rebuilt snowplow/flanger after the engine house fire in 1919. Engines 3 (shown in this photograph) and 4 were heavier in weight and able to haul up to four loaded cars and were built by the Vulcan Company.

The "bumper" shown on the front of the engine was a link & pin coupler which was used as the engine pushed/pulled the cars back to the Monson station from Monson Junction. The Monson station had a turntable but it would not accommodate the sizes of engines 3 and 4.