Something fun to debate........

Alan S. Levy · **Posted:** Mon Nov 03, 2008 2:27 pm

In the USA, not including 4-8-4's, what do you think is the fastest operable steam locomotive? **Lets say with a 10 car lightweight passenger train.

Wilmington & Western #98?

SP #2472?

????

Dave Crosby · **Posted:** Mon Nov 03, 2008 3:05 pm

Hmmmmm, I'd say the B&M 3713 at Steamtown, when it is completed...

I imagine the SOO Line pacific or R&N 425 could kick up it's heals pretty good on level track...

Dave · **Posted:** Mon Nov 03, 2008 3:27 pm

Those SP 1700 class moguls could move along in commuter service with light trains pretty well.

dave

Randall Hicks · **Joined:** Wed Aug 25, 2004 9:44 am **Posts:** 154

That's easy. UP 3985.

Alan S. Levy · **Posted:** Mon Nov 03, 2008 5:05 pm

I dunno. The Challenger has 69" drivers.... The SP 4-6-2 has 73 in drivers. I gotta think the Pacific may have and egde.

thirdrail · **Posted:** Mon Nov 03, 2008 6:29 pm

B&M 3713 approached the century mark on the last Boston-Portland trip in 1956 racing a Corvette on the highway, so I imagine it may be the fastest, other than PRR 1361 or the Northerns.

Don C. · **Posted:** Mon Nov 03, 2008 7:17 pm

CPR 2816 with her 75" drivers followed closely by CPR 2317 or one of the SP 4-6-2s. If you can count B&M 3713, then I can count CPR 2816. Soo 2719 has the potential to be another highwheeler.

Actually, 765 and 1225 are probably right up there too.

Don C.

Txhighballer · **Joined:** Mon Aug 23, 2004 10:49 am **Posts:** 773

Since ATSF 3415 is soon to be among the living, I think I'll take her, then the SP Pacifics.

Pat Fahey · **Posted:** Mon Nov 03, 2008 10:53 pm

Hi All

Well let enter NKP # 765 ,, or 2 CPR # 1200 G-5 's capable of pulling a 12 car

when douleheadered,,Pat

Hillcrest · **Posted:** Tue Nov 04, 2008 1:19 pm

I'm gonna have to go with ATSF 3415 also. Modernized about the same time as 3751, 79" Boxpok drivers, maybe (probably) roller bearing equipt? Lightweight rods? Modern balancing? Yep, 3415.

Cheers, Dave

tomgears · **Posted:** Wed Nov 05, 2008 8:21 am

I can't help but have a vision of PRR 7002 going by at a blur. How cool would it be to have her back out in steam!

Alan S. Levy · **Posted:** Wed Nov 05, 2008 10:43 am

I knew Mr. Gears would find a way to bring up the 7002 as he has an thing for Atlantics!

I think once restored the ATSF Pacific maybe the fastest...

At this moment I think the SP Pacifc would be the quickest non 4-8-4.

John Bohon · **Joined:** Sun Aug 29, 2004 1:04 pm **Posts:** 625

I have never seen CPR 2860 but if she runs as well as sister 2839 I will put my money on her pilot anytime. I am not really sure how similar the 2816 is to the Royal engines but she should be able to get up and run too. Those G-5 pacifics are fast too but I am not sure they have the horsepower to handle 10 cars at really high speeds.

John Bohon

Alan S. Levy · **Posted:** Wed Nov 05, 2008 9:44 pm

Ah John... The CP Hudsons are the reason I said in the USA! : )

They are fast as can be!

John Bohon · **Joined:** Sun Aug 29, 2004 1:04 pm **Posts:** 625

I guess I missed the USA part. Of course 2839 was running on the Southern Ry when I saw her. With 1293 running these days on the OC I will have to go with it. Those engines can fly and given the right conditions could get a good roll on a 10 car train.

John Bohon