Pennsylvania Railroad class J28

PRR Class J28
PRR J28 #7453
Type and origin Power type Steam Builder Alco-Schenectady Build date 1905 Total produced 2
Specifications Configuration: ​  •  Whyte 2-6-2 Gauge 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) Driver dia. 80 in (2,000 mm) Wheelbase: ​  • Engine 34 ft 3 in (10,440 mm) Total weight 377,500 lb (171,200 kg) Fuel type coal Fuel capacity 13.5 tons Water cap. 7,000 imp gal (32,000 L; 8,400 US gal) Firebox: ​  • Grate area 54 sq ft (5.0 m2) Heating surface: ​  • Firebox 89 sq ft (8.3 m2) Valve gear #7453: Stephenson #2761: Walschaerts
Performance figures Maximum speed 45-65 mph Tractive effort 27,504 lbf (122.34 kN)
Career Operators Pennsylvania Railroad Class J28 Number in class 2 Numbers 7453, 2761 Locale Northeastern United States Retired 1921 (1) 1924 (1) Disposition Scrapped

The Pennsylvania Railroad's class J28 comprised two experimental 2-6-2 "Prairie" type steam locomotives.

History

In 1905, the Pennsylvania Railroad needed a better steam locomotive than the class E 4-4-2 "Atlantic" type, which were incresingly became obsolescent in the face of heavier traffic and locomotive design development. ^[1] Therefore, the railroad ordered six experimental locomotives, with two 2-6-2s from Alco-Schenectady being among the lot. With one each being allocated to the Fort Wayne and Pittsburgh divisions, they were tested extensively and failed in railroad service. However, they were still on the roster by 1924. ^[2]

Specifications

The two J28s had 80 inch drivers and a 34.25 foot engine wheelbase. Engine #7453 had inboard piston valves and Stephenson valve gear, while #2761 had outside piston valves and Walschaerts valve gear. ^[2] They each weighed 377,500 pounds with the tender. They had 27,504 pounds of tractive effort, had a 89 square feet (8.3 m²) of firebox space, also had a grate area of 54 square feet (5.0 m²), able to hold 7,000 gallons of water and 13.5 tons of coal. ^[2] Despite these specifications and more, the J28 was not a powerful enough Pennsylvania Railroad locomotive.^{[ citation needed ]}

References

1. Churella 2024.
2. Staufer 1962, p. 147.

Bibliography

• Staufer, Alvin F. (1962). Pennsy Power: Steam and Electric Locomotives of the Pennsylvania Railroad, 1900-1957 – via Internet Archive.
• Churella, Albert J. (26 November 2024). The Pennsylvania Railroad: The Long Decline, 1933–1968. Indiana University Press. ISBN   9780253069498 – via Google Books.