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The Pennsy was the other big user of trackpans. I am aware of a few other roads that made limited use them, also but I can't recall who they were, just now. I believe the B&O was one, though. The justification for the expense of the pans is the traffic density on the NYC and PRR. Steamers needed to stop for water more frequently than coal so if they could pick up water on the fly, traffic could flow more freely with fewer stops. The Central really made an art out of the practice and could run a train much longer without engine changes by using tenders with massive coal bunkers and deminutive (relatively) water tanks. The Pennsy got the most out of their track pans by placing them on flat spots on the grades on either side of Horseshoe Curve. This was a tremendous help in keeping traffic flowing on one of the busiest mainlines in the world. I have a video (Sunday River, I think) that shows Pennsy trains taking water on the fly. In one scene the fireman was a little slow in getting the scoop down and the train was forced to reverse direction and do it all over again. Fortunately, it was a lowly mail train and not the Broadway Limited - but I'm sure there were a lot of questions asked once the Super caught up with the crew! Pennsy management did not like to see trains stop on the hill, much less back up. Jim, Roseau MN
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