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]

Union Railroad 0-10-2
Type and origin
Power typeSteam
BuilderBaldwin Locomotive Works
Serial number61907–61911, 62059–62062,
Build date1936–1939
Total produced10
Specifications
Configuration:
 • Whyte0-10-2
 • UICE1′
Gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm)
Driver dia.61 in (1,549 mm)
Adhesive weight343,930 lb (156.0 tonnes)
Loco weight404,400 lb (183.4 tonnes)
Total weight644,510 lb (292.3 tonnes)
Fuel typeCoal
Fuel capacity28,000 lb (12.7 tonnes)
Water cap.12,000 US gal (45,000 L; 10,000 imp gal)
Boiler pressure260 lbf/in2 (1.79 MPa)
CylindersTwo
Cylinder size28 in × 32 in (711 mm × 813 mm)
Valve gearWalschaerts
Performance figures
Tractive effortLoco: 90,900 lbf (404.3 kN),
Tender booster: 17,150 lbf (76.29 kN)
Career
OperatorsUnion Railroad, Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range
ClassURR: U-108b
DMIR: S7
NumbersURR 301-310; DM&IR 601-609
RetiredURR: 1949
DM&IR: 1958–1963
DispositionOne preserved, remainder scrapped

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]

No. 304 on display in Greenville, Pennsylvania.

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

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