2-6-6-4
In the
Other equivalent classifications are:
- Italian classification)
- French classification: 130+032
- Turkish classification: 34+35
- Swiss classification: 3/4+3/5
The
The 2-6-6-4 was a fairly late development, a product of the superpower steam concept, introduced by the Lima Locomotive Works, which encouraged the use of large fireboxes supported by four-wheel trailing trucks. Such a firebox could sustain a rate of steam generation to meet any demands of the locomotive's cylinders, even at high speed. High speeds were certainly among the design goals for the 2-6-6-4; most of the type were intended for use on fast freight trains.
The first 2-6-6-4s built in the United States were for the
The next of the type were a class of ten ordered by the
The final class of 2-6-6-4s was the
In all, sixty 2-6-6-4s were constructed in North America. Only one survives: Norfolk and Western 1218 was preserved and in 1987 was restored to running order, running on excursions until 1991. Today it is on display at the Virginia Museum of Transportation.
References
- Trains.com article on the 2-6-6-4 type.
- Jeffries, Lewis I., N&W: Giant of Steam (Rev. ed. 2005).
- Wrinn, Jim, Steam's Camelot: Southern and Norfolk Southern Excursions in Color (2000).