What the heck??!!! (PRR T1)

[Utley26]

Ok, take a look at this slide for sale.  Is that T1 really pulling a string of gondolas?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pennsylvania-RR-Class-T-1-4-4-4-4-slide-/400244107391?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d3068687f#ht_1373wt_1237

 

[tomikawaTT]

Sure liiks like it is.

Maybe it (and they) are on their way - one way - to the scrap line.

Chuck

[Redwards]

Or a break-in run after being shopped?

--Reed

[KCSfan]

Looks like it's just had a new paint job - notice how shiny it is. I suspect it's just been overhaluled at Altoona and is on the way back to its home terminal. Rather than deadhead it the Pennsy has it pulling what is probably a fairly short train of freight cars.

Mark

[Utley26]

That makes sense, thanks.  Plus it has all of its skirting (and absence of the small secondary headlight), so it may be either 6110 or 6111?

[Juniatha]

The locomotive looks pretty new or fresh from overhaul - if the latter then the photo must be taken in 1948 or preferably earlier because upper extension of the curved shrouding is still present on tender behind coal compartment .   This was later taken off .

My first idea was it could be # 6110 or 6111 but side valances are cut to later form .   The prototypes were later modified according to the series lots ;  that means the photo is not from the test period 1942 - 45 .

Btw :  Not sure if it was wise , mechanically , to have a freshly overhauled high speed engine pull a freight train as a first assignment to return to regular running .   Even if equipped with roller bearings ( don't need break-in ) ,  there were many things on a steam locomotive that would need some initial breaking in and some extra care taking after assemblage - hauling a freight train even if shorter that usually was not a good method to allow these things to settle .  

Also , what about upsetting turns of engine(s) regular scheduled for this run ?  what did these do meanwhile ? take another run from another regular engine and upset these turns ?   Returning light engine - or , if you prefer , as a pilot engine - did have some points counting for .

=  J =

[feltonhill]

The T1 has the shrouding configuration of the production batches, and judging by the shiny paint, I'd cast my vote for a break-in run somewhere on PRR.  It could be from Baldwin or Juniata Shops, depending on which builder constructed it.  The as-built front end configuration was soon changed to a hood-like covering for the aftercooler and air compressors and standard steps from the pilot beam to the running board.  I'd guess the date as 1946.  Very rare photo, never saw one like it.

[Utley26]

So maybe empty hoppers were the lightest cars available, but offered enough weight behind her for an effective break-in?  

[K4sPRR]

The location in the photo is Altoona and I have to agree with the c.1946 date, note that there are no diesels in the photo.  In 1948 the PRR had 359 diesels on the property and another 259 on order.  It may be a vague clue, but that in addition to the clean shiny locomotive and smoke all over the place I would guess it earlier than 1948.

It is not the prototype T1's, note the wider front shroud around the smoke box and the higher verticle line of the pilot, the production style after the two prototypes.  No center headlight either, dating it earlier.

A practice used by the PRR with newly constructed locomotives was to test them in and around Altoona or another major repair facility (ie. Crestline) to assure all would be well.  In Altoona the tests generally were to the east.  For example the S2 made a series of test runs in that area, first running light then with various consists and weights.  Tests for prototypes  were also conducted west of Altoona to see the performance on tight curves and the usual publicity shot on the HSC.  This was generally done running light.  Putting a locomotive to the task in addition testing them running light I agree is a more effective break in.

The PRR never worried about having a locomotive ready for a permanently assigned return run, their pool of power and pool of passenger equipment was generally more than adequate enough to have a locomotive ready to go at any time.  This was done because of the unpredictable demeanor of a steamer and allowed more time for adequate between runs maintenance.  Some exceptions, the Broadway Limited seen specific locomotives assigned during the K4s streamlining years.  That was the K4s that looked like it ate one too many Little Debbie snack cakes.  The S2 also had this assignment, briefly and for both locomotives it was a publicity assignment for the premier train.

It is a rare and unique photograph,  would have been nice to see a more clear shot.  The cars do appear to be empty.  Too bad there is not more info about the photo.