Southern Pacific 8

Last updated
Nevada-California-Oregon
Southern Pacific 8
Victorian Square, Sparks, Nevada (6402414793).jpg
SP #8 at Sparks, Nevada
Type and origin
Power typeSteam
Builder Baldwin Locomotive Works
Serial number31445
Model10-26 D 217
Build date1907
Specifications
Configuration:
   Whyte 4-6-0
   UIC 2′C
Gauge 3 ft (914 mm)
Driver dia.44 in (1.118 m)
Loco weight81,000 pounds (37 t)
Boiler pressure180 lbf/in2 (1.24 MPa)
Cylinder size 16 in × 20 in (406 mm × 508 mm)
Performance figures
Tractive effort 17,800 lbf (79.18 kN)
Career
Operators Nevada–California–Oregon Railway
Southern Pacific Company
NumbersNCO 8
SP 8
Retired1954
DispositionDisplay: Sparks, Nevada

Southern Pacific #8 is a 4-6-0 narrow-gauge steam locomotive, built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in August 1907.

Contents

It was originally built for the Nevada–California–Oregon Railway as their second #8, and was sold to Southern Pacific in 1929. She spent the rest of its career hauling passengers and freight along Southern Pacific's Keeler Branch. The locomotive, along with sisters #9 and #18 were nicknamed "The Desert Princesses", having served the desert areas of Nevada and California. [1]

In 1954, an GE 50 Ton diesel locomotive was purchased, relegating steam power on the Southern Pacific's narrow-gauge line to backup duty. Locomotive #8 was retired in 1955 after 48 years of service and donated to the State of Nevada. Now owned by the Nevada State Railroad Museum, it has been on display at Lillard Park at Sparks, Nevada since 1975 after negotiations of a long-term loan. [2]

See also

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References

  1. "Southern Pacific Narrow Gauge #8". www.nsrm-friends.org. Retrieved 2017-08-02.
  2. "Nevada State Railroad Museum". NSRM Friends. Retrieved 29 September 2022.