I remember the lighter and older K-1 Pacifics better, that were
well maintained to the end. They were also the last regularly assigned
passenger power, ending the steam era hauling commuter runs
in northern New Jersey. Some of them were shopped and sent to
aid the South Korean railways recover during and after the war with
the reds. The K-1s were hand bombers, and generally less efficient
and powerful, than your USRA heavies; the K-5s.
I remember being aboard Erie 2-10-2s, because the rides were
almost like taking a dory through the surf. Awful stuff, that wore
on ones back and spine. Similarly to what I recall, caused the
chronic problems suffered by oldtime teamsters (1920s-60s);
which they acquired from pushing rigs over the highways of
that era.
Russian Decapods were very plentiful, and also very well designed.
They were meant for all classes of track, and packed a terrific
power to weight ratio - that was unmatched by most other locos
in the world.
The big 0-8-0s which hung around pretty much until the pacifics
passed, were very impressive locos. My favorite Erie locos are
some I know only from photos and engravings. The only ten
coupled camelbacks, the camelback mallets used to shove
Starucca, along with earlier wide gauge kettles, are especially
memorable for me...and are my favorites.
Good-Luck,
PJB
