USRA Heavy Pacifics

[dredmann]

It has been widely asserted that the Southern Railway Ps-4's and AWP 290 are close copies of the USRA heavy Pacific, but a strong case can be made otherwise, specifically, that they blended elements of both the USRA light (e.g., frame size, driver size) and heavy (e.g., cylinder size, maybe firebox size?) Pacifics with new and/or intermediate features (e.g., boiler size). See, e.g., Ed King, "Whence the Ps-4, Really?", Ties 16(1):3-9 (Jan.-Feb. 2002). You can still buy a copy through the Southern Railway Historical Association (http://www.srha.net/).

As you may be aware, back in the day (ca. 1967), Graham Claytor tried to lease SOU 1401 back from the Smithsonian for Southern's steam program, the Smithsonian declined, and Claytor settled for SOU 4501 painted in 1926 passenger colors. In the present climate, 1401 returning to operation is unforeseeable.

AWP 290 has of course operated in relatively recent years. I seem to recall it has received a partial re-build and/or is in the course of a re-build, albeit a slow one. I do hope to see it run again one day.

[marknewton]

It became a Hyundai?

[tpatrick]

At least one Erie steamer escaped the torch. K-1 Pacific 2524 was sent to Korea in 1954 and operated on the Korean National Railroad. It was donated by the Erie to help in the rebuilding of the KNRR after the war. Other steam locos were donated by C&O, GN and Pennsy. I don't know what became of the K-1.

[feltonhill]

A&WP 290 is virtually identical to a Southern Ps-4, with only very slight differences in heating surface and weight.  Both the Ps-4's and 290 were essentially USRA Heavy 4-6-2's with 73" and 74" drivers instead of 79".  Heating surfaces and weights for the USRA heavy are very similar (about a ton heavier).  So 290 represents two locomotives, in one case the same and in the other case, similar!

[art11758]

Side note- Were all of the Erie's steames scrapped? I know about losing all of the New Haven's steam, but, if they all are gone, does nobody mention it?

IIRC I read (in a book by a fellow named Grant I think)that the Erie saved nothing. Between bankruptcies, the merger with the DLW, I don't think they could afford to..... Sad really.

[Moonie]

What about USRA Heavy Pacific copies? I believe A&WP 290 is one example. Does anyone know the status of A&WP 290? Rrpicturearchives has some photos from last year showing her partially dismantled (or almost re-assembled?). Many thanks.

[railfanespee4449]

Are there any restored USRA Heavy Pacifics currently operating? Many thanks.

Considering the fact that only 20 were ever built (for the Erie), and that they were all scrapped, no.

 

Side note- Were all of the Erie's steames scrapped? I know about losing all of the New Haven's steam, but, if they all are gone, does nobody mention it?

[orsonroy]

Are there any restored USRA Heavy Pacifics currently operating? Many thanks.

Considering the fact that only 20 were ever built (for the Erie), and that they were all scrapped, no.

[New Haven I-5]

No, not that I have seen or heard of.

[Moonie]

Are there any restored USRA Heavy Pacifics currently operating? Many thanks.