Pennsylvania Railroad class J28

The Pennsylvania Railroad's class J28 comprised two experimental 2-6-2 "Prairie" type steam locomotives.

PRR Class J28
PRR J28 #7453
Type and origin
Power typeSteam
BuilderAlco-Schenectady
Build date1905
Total produced2
Specifications
Configuration:
 • Whyte2-6-2
Gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm)
Driver dia.80 in (2,000 mm)
Wheelbase:
 • Engine34 ft 3 in (10,440 mm)
Total weight377,500 lb (171,200 kg)
Fuel typecoal
Fuel capacity13.5 tons
Water cap.7,000 imp gal (32,000 L; 8,400 US gal)
Firebox:
 • Grate area54 sq ft (5.0 m2)
Heating surface:
 • Firebox89 sq ft (8.3 m2)
Valve gear#7453: Stephenson
#2761: Walschaerts
Performance figures
Maximum speed45-65 mph
Tractive effort27,504 lbf
Career
OperatorsPennsylvania Railroad
ClassJ28
Number in class2
Numbers7453, 2761
LocaleNortheastern United States
Retired1921 (1) 1924 (1)
DispositionScrapped

History

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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

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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 89 square feet (8.3 m2) of firebox space, also had a grate area of 54 square feet (5.0 m2), 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.[citation needed]