Union Railroad 0-10-2 Explained

Union Railroad 0-10-2
Powertype:Steam
Builder:Baldwin Locomotive Works
Serialnumber:61907–61911, 62059–62062,
Builddate:1936–1939
Totalproduction:10
Whytetype:0-10-2
Uicclass:E1′
Driverdiameter:610NaN0
Weightondrivers:3439301NaN1
Locoweight:4044001NaN1
Locotenderweight:6445101NaN1
Fueltype:Coal
Fuelcap:280001NaN1
Watercap:12000usgal
Boilerpressure:2602NaN2
Cylindercount:Two
Cylindersize:28x
Valvegear:Walschaerts
Tractiveeffort:Loco: 909001NaN1,
Tender booster: 171502NaN2
Operator:Union Railroad, Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range
Operatorclass:URR: U-108b
DMIR: S7
Fleetnumbers:URR 301-310; DM&IR 601-609
Retiredate:URR: 1949
DM&IR: 1958–1963
Disposition:One preserved, remainder scrapped

Ten Union Railroad 0-10-2 steam locomotives were built in 1936–1939 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works. These were the only 0-10-2 locomotives ever built in the United States and this purchase gave the name "Union" to this type.[1]

The Union Railroad was a switching and transfer line owned by U.S. Steel, serving a number of plants in the area and connecting with six trunk line railroads. Operation was only at low speed, thus a leading truck's stability was not required. The intent was to eliminate helper requirements on grades, and thus a locomotive larger than the Union's previous switchers and 2-8-0 "Consolidations" was needed. Ten driving wheels allowed the application of sufficient tractive effort within the axle load limits of the line, and the requirement for a large firebox and plentiful steam-raising ability necessitated the trailing truck. To increase tractive effort still further, a booster engine was fitted to the leading tender truck. The unusual wheel arrangement was also a result of the turntable restrictions on the total wheel base.[2]

Upon dieselization of the Union in 1949, nine of the locomotives were sold to fellow U.S. Steel railroad the Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range, where they served until 1962. 304 survives as a static exhibit at Greenville, Pennsylvania.[3]

References

  1. Book: American Locomotives. registration. Alexander, Edwin P.. 1950. 194–195. Bonanza. 978-0-517-01423-3.
  2. Railway Age (magazine) July 18, 1936 Page 105-106
  3. Web site: Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range RR No. 604. SteamLocomotive.info. 2006-12-16.