RG479 wrote: ↑Wed Aug 21, 2019 1:13 pm
The TE of the W1 Class of 2-8-0's was 3680 lbs and based on the classification numbers on 7470's cab its TE is 3300. A larger 2-8-0 like WM 734 would be necessary to pull a passenger train up the grade to Crawford Notch.
Bob Meckley
Just for the record...... MEC#501 2-8-0 weights. Engine 193,000 LBS, Tender 140,000 LBS. Tractive Effort 36,600 LBS. Tonnage Ratings, 1,750 Tons, except Crawford Notch which is 1,350 Tons. Class " W " 2-8-0's which were a regular sight hauling freight trains alone or in tandem with other steam locomotives up in Crawford Notch are very capable engines. CSRX # 7470 has a long history of overheated bearings issues, it does not belong out on a mountain grade, #501 is a road engine with a set of front trucks that enable it to negotiate curves. MEC #501 has no bearing issues, it belongs out running the high iron up in the Notch. Let #7470 do it's thing on the Conway trips like it has in the past & feed the bearings lots of grease between trips. A fully restored #501 won't need diesel helpers to travel over a route she previously traveled for over 4 decades in her past regular service with MEC.
Love me or hate me.....I've kept the " Flame of Hope " lit & burning for MEC #501 since 1995. J. Smythe... Former Master Mechanic MEC #501 Project 1995-2000.