Question about Indiana Harbor Belt Class U4a

[TakeFive]

I've recently acquired the AHM 0-8-0 IHB three cylinder shifter and cannot find in my somewhat limited reference material any data on the prototype. I would like to know the overall length (coupler to coupler) with tender attached, total weight and tractive effort. I found one reference to the tractive effort at 74,400 pounds, but I would like to confirm that from another source. Thanks in advance for any help.

[tstage]

Dick,

First off, to the forum! Good to have you aboard!

I just bought a copy of Steam Power of the New York Central System - Vol. 1 so this is where I'm getting the info from.  Here's what it has for the class U-4a:

• Built by: American Locomotive Company, February 1927
• Tractive force: 75,700 lbs.
• Booster: 13,800 lbs.
• Cylinders (outside): 23-1/2 x 32"
• Cylinders (inside): 23-1/2 x 28"
• Driver diameter: 57"
• Total Engine Weight: 294,000 lbs.
• Grate Area: 72.5 sq. ft.
• Steam Pressure: 200 lbs.

Ironically, Dick, the class U-4a pictured and described in the book mentioned above is actually Indiana Harbor Belt RR 0-8-0 #102.  They don't mention overall length for some reason but someone should be able to get you that information.

Hope that's a help...

Tom

P.S. I just received my Proto 2000 NYC U-3 0-8-0 in the mail yesterday.  Boy!  Is it a nice locomotive locomotive!  They regularly run $250.00 MSRP.  I was able to pick one up for $90.00.  With a Digitrax DH163L0 decoder in her, she really crawls.

[TakeFive]

Tom,

Thanks much for the information. The model I have is 102, as you probably already know. Great to have some input. Thanks again and congratulations on your U3, isn't ebay great?

[ckpcpqq]

Here's some information on the U4-A.  It differs slightly from the figures quoted earlier.

http://dhke.com/ihbarchive/ihbsteam.html

A nice photo of a U4 can be found on p.66 of "Indiana Harbor Belt in Color" by Sam Beck and me.  It was published by Morning Sun Books.

Bill Gustason

 

 

[AltonFan]

MR published drawings of this locomotive, and there were several articles about detailing it. Try the MR indexes.