What were the engine types in the 40's, 50's and Early 60's?

[vanda32547]

Morning,

I am curious to know what styles and types of locomotive power was available from the late 40's through early 60's? Is there a source for this info online with a timeline available?

I know that F7's and GP30's were the mainstay during the transition period but I was wondering what types of 4-6-2 steam locomotives were still running at that same time. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[Isambard]

Morning,

I am curious to know what styles and types of locomotive power was available from the late 40's through early 60's? Is there a source for this info online with a timeline available?

I know that F7's and GP30's were the mainstay during the transition period but I was wondering what types of 4-6-2 steam locomotives were still running at that same time. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Canadian Pacific ran both heavy and light 4-6-2 Pacifics into the late 1950's. I believe Canadian National did the same. Try Googling both Canadian Pacific and Canadian National steam locomtives for references and photos. Here's one such site, which shows a CP heavy Pacific.
http://www.steamlocomotive.com/pennsy/steamtown/

 

[jtbterri]

The CNW ran 4-6-2's. I know, I grew up riding on them.

 

[Chessie6459]

In 1945-46 the PRR had placed an order for the T-1 (4-4-4-4) #'s 5500-5549. They pulled the famous passenger trains that the pennsy had.

 

[Russ Bellinis]

I think the pacific type was gone on most western US roads by 1950. I model Santa Fe and as they dieselised, they got rid of smaller steam first. By 1950 I don't think they had any steam smaller than the northerns in use, and most steam power was used in helper service on grades.

 

[jdscales040]

The B&O ran Pacific's right up to the end of steam. Trains #72 and #73 that ran the Ohio River Sub came off in 1957. They were steam powered till the end.

The last B&O steam operated was a 2-8-2 Q-4B, operated in May 1958.:thumb:

John D.

 

[brakie]

Here is a site that will help you..Keep in mind a locomotive built in say 1939 would still be in service 30 years later..

http://www.hazegray.org/rail/product.htm

 

[RioGrande]

From my knowledge of the Rio Grande (other RR's would be similar build dates)

FT (1939-1945) nearly 1100 built
F3 (1946-1948)
F7 (1948-1953) 3849 built according to Extra 2200 South journal
F9 (1954-1958?)

GP7 (1949-54)
GP9 (1955-??)
GP30 (1962/63)
GP35 (1964/65)
GP40 (1966-1971)
SD45 (1966-??)

Just to give you ball park ideas. Rio Grande's F unit, for example, lasted about 20 ears on the average - some more, others less. The F9's run from 1955 and were finally retired in 1984. Rio Grande's GP30 lasted unusually long from 1962/63 until the mid-1990's, a couple until 2000. Rio Grande maintained their diesels so well, the power hungry SP used diesels most RR's had retired for years more.

 

[spitfire]

Wow Brakie! That's some website! Thanks for the link.

Bob, while there are some general dates for steam power, you'll find that every RR was slightly different. In Canada, the last steam train in normal service ran April 25, 1960. This is later than many US roads. In China, I believe they're still using steam engines.

Here's something I picked up on the internet - possibly right here, and I'm sorry I don't have the name of the person who wrote this:

Early steam - 1800's to 1914. Cutoff is just prior to forming the USRA

These next two are the "Transition era"

Late steam - 1914 to ~1956. Cutoff is dieselization.

Early Diesel - 1939 to 1963. Cutoff is the introduction of the second generation GP30.

Middle Diesel - 1963 to 1972. The cutoff is the introduction of the Dash 2 models. This is what I'd consider the "Second Transition Era", from First to Second Generation Diesels.

Late Diesel - 1972-present. Everything from the Dash 2s on, since so many of them are still in regular, everyday service.