ArmoredMonster
Banned
How often did railroads use the 4-6-2 for freight train assignments? I know the locomotive was configured with passenger train service in mind but how common was it for any railroad to use them on main line freight trains?
Pacific 4-6-2 in Main Line Freight Service
- Thread starter ArmoredMonster
- Start date
simulatortrain
jointed freaking rails
WM sometimes used their K-1 pacifics on local freights after the arrival of the K-2 pacifics in 1912 and the discontinuation of several passenger trains in the late 1920s. I can't imagine they were ideal in that capacity since they were pretty tiny.
Last edited:
Driver size is the key!
The USRA 0-6-0 & 0-8-0 switchers had 51" drivers.
The USRA Light Santa Fe's had 57" drivers
The USRA Mikados, Light & Heavy, had 63"
Both of the USRA Mallets had 57" drivers.
The K-1's mentioned by Simulatortrain had 68" driver's.
The Virginian had a few pacifics with 69" drivers.
I'd suggest that any 4-6-2 with drivers 73" or smaller probably was used as a dual service (Passenger and Freight) engine.
The USRA 0-6-0 & 0-8-0 switchers had 51" drivers.
The USRA Light Santa Fe's had 57" drivers
The USRA Mikados, Light & Heavy, had 63"
Both of the USRA Mallets had 57" drivers.
The K-1's mentioned by Simulatortrain had 68" driver's.
The Virginian had a few pacifics with 69" drivers.
I'd suggest that any 4-6-2 with drivers 73" or smaller probably was used as a dual service (Passenger and Freight) engine.
Last edited:
SP pacifics were sometimes used in freight service although they were primarily used on passenger assignments right up until the end of steam. Here is a picture of SP 2483 pulling a freight near Roseville, Ca.
I'd suggest you get your eyes checked as that engine is 2463 not 2483 and it's a P-8. 73" drivers & 25" x 30" cylinders.