Pennsylvania Railroad class J28 explained

PRR Class J28

Powertype:

Steam

Builder:

Alco-Schenectady

Builddate:

1905

Totalproduction:

2

Whytetype:

2-6-2

Driverdiameter:

80inches

Engine Total:

34feet

Locotenderweight:

377500lbs

Fueltype:

coal

Fuelcap:

13.5 tons

Watercap:

7000impgal

Firearea:

54square feet

Fireboxarea:

89square feet

Valvegear:

1. 7453: Stephenson
   #2761: Walschaerts

| valvetype = | valvetravel = | valvelap = | valvelead = | transmission = | trainheating = | locobrakes = | locobrakeforce = | trainbrakes = | safety = | coupling = | maxspeed = 45-65 mph| poweroutput = | tractiveeffort = 27,504 lbf| factorofadhesion = | operator = Pennsylvania Railroad| operatorclass = J28| powerclass = | numinclass = 2| fleetnumbers = 7453, 2761| officialname = | nicknames = | axleloadclass = | locale = Northeastern United States| deliverydate = | firstrundate = | lastrundate = | retiredate = 1921 (1) 1924 (1)| withdrawndate = | preservedunits = | restoredate = | scrapdate = | currentowner = | disposition = Scrapped| notes = }}The Pennsylvania Railroad's class J28 comprised two experimental 2-6-2 "Prairie" type steam locomotives.

History

In 1905, the Pennsylvania Railroad needed a better steam locomotive, than the class E 4-4-2 "Atlantic" type. So, the railroad ordered two 2-6-2s from Alco-Schenectady. They were tested extensively and failed in railroad service. However, they were still on the roster in the late 1920s.

Specifications

The two J28s had 80 inch drivers and a 34.25 foot engine wheelbase. Engine #7453 had inboard piston valves and Stephenson valve gear, while #2761 had outside piston valves and Walschaerts valve gear. They each weighed 377,500 pounds with the tender. They had 27,504 pounds of tractive effort, had a 89square feet of firebox space, also had a grate area of 54square feet, able to hold 7,000 gallons of water and 13.5 tons of coal. Despite these specifications and more, the J28 was not a powerful enough Pennsylvania Railroad locomotive.

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