The fifth locomotive to be put into use in Sydney Mines by the General Mining Association was built locally in 1886 under the direction of Chief Engineer John Elliott, who came to Canada from England.
The locomotive named "The C. C. Swann" after the company representative in England, was built in the machine shops in Sydney Mines. After completion and testing, the locomotive was placed on a scow and shipped to Low Point (across the harbour) for use in the Lingan Coal Operation. It operated over a small stretch of railway that led to the loading piers at South Bar where schooners were docked. The C. C. Swann is believed to be the only steel locomotive ever assembled in its entirety in Cape Breton.
Mr. A. D. Francis of Sydney Mines, who was Superintendent of Shops at the time, used to recall sitting on the bank and watching the marvel of the age run up and down the opposite shore on the short stretch of railway and hearing the whistle toots echo across the waters of the harbour.
Those in the photograph are identified as John Elliott, Chief Engineer, in cab. Left to right: James MacDonald - foreman, pattern-maker; Richard Partridge - foreman, foundry; John M. MacDonald - foreman, machinist ("Jack the Tailor"); John Wilson - machinist; Robert Bonner, Jr. - machinist; Robert Bonner, Sr. - foreman, filler; Joseph Howatson - foreman, blacksmith; Alfred J. Gregg - foreman, moulder. R.H. Brown was General Manager of the General Mining Association at the time this locomotive was built.