What types of steam engines did the N&W run in the early to mid 1940’s
1944-1946 to be exact
Thanks for any help
Hi Robert,
There were relatively few important wheel arrangements on the N&W. The so-called Big Three were the class J 4-8-4 streamlined passenger engine (and in 1944 there were also some unstreamlined J-1s that would be streamlined after the war ended and reclassified as Js), the class A 2-6-6-4 simple articulated fast freight locomotive, and the class Y-6b 2-8-8-2 Mallet compound heavy freight locomotive. There were also several earlier Y-class 2-8-8-2s, a few K-class 4-8-2s, and some old M-class 4-8-0s used on branch lines and as yard switchers. A couple of E-class 4-6-2 Pacific-type passenger locomotives rounded out the roster. The N&W has long been a favorite of steam fans because it stuck with steam power through the 1950s and became the last major railroad to dieselize. For a short history of its locomotives and a roster of all N&W steamers built after 1900, see the “Guide to North American Steam Locomotive” from Kalmbach Books.
Best wishes,
Andy Sperandeo
MODEL RAILROADER Magazine
Hi Robert, N&W Had a good mix of steam in this era. They had 0-8-0 switchers,M class 4-8-0s, K class 4-8-2s (some streamlined like the J class) J class 4-8-4s Y class 2-8-8-2s. These made up 90 % of all the steam they had. They had some 2-6-6-2s for mine runs, and 1 or 2 2-8-0s. Probably a few others, but I dont have a refference handy right now…Mike
Actually Mike,
The N&W didn’t have any 0-8-0 switchers until 1950! It’s an interesting story, because in that year the N&W bought 30 0-8-0s based on the USRA-design that had been built for the C&O in 1948. The C&O had decided to dieselize and put these almost-new switchers on the market. The N&W like these class S1 engines so much that it built 45 more, class S1a, in its own shops between 1951 and 1953.
So long,
Andy
Andy Sperandeo
MODEL RAILROADER Magazine
In 1944-46;
Z1a and Z1b 2-6-6-2 used in yards and mine runs.
Y2, Y3, Y3a, Y4, Y5, Y6, Y6a, but NOT Y6b yet, 2-8-8-2. The Y5 and newer were mainline locomotives, the others in yards and mine runs.
W2 2-8-0; a few still around
M, M1, M2 4-8-0; a few still around
J 600-604, J1 4-8-4 605-609; in 1945 all of the J1 were streamlined and converted into J’s.
K1, K2, K2a 4-8-2; the K2 were USRA Heavy Mountains, the K2a copies, and the K1 preceeded the USRA. In your time frame these locomotives had not yet received thier post WWII extensive rebuilding.
E2a, E3 4-6-2; the E3 were retired iu 1846, these were PRR K3 purchased used. The E2a were small Pacifics, a couple lasting to the end of steam.
A 2-6-6-4; 1200-1209 were pre WWII, 1210-1234 were 1943/44 vintage, 1235-1243 were late '40’s.
Nigel
Also remember the N&W was not backwards in putting the Y6a into mine service.The M M1a,M1b will last untill the end of steam.N&W used their locomotives in any type of service expect for the passenger engines.I have seen a Y6b on a local.A Y6a on a passenger run…how many of us older guys that remember the N&W steam forget the sound of a “Hooter” whistle on a freight engine? You just knew by that sound it was N&W engine and not another road running in the same area.
I would like to thank all of you who gave me the help I was looking for. You see I am the only model railroader in my family, and the nearest model railroad club is a good 40 miles away. And to top it all off I don’t remember the N&W at all, you see I am 21. I am building the N&W cause it is the railroad that I love best. When I was about 12 to 14 the last N&W J class came past my grandmothers house in Petersburg Va. I got to see the pice of history at less then 15 Ft, and when you are 13 or so that is a out of your mind. So thank you all again.
You may want to check out:
http://www.nwhs.org/
NIgel