I know this is a silly question for this group, but what determines whether a locomotive is considered "light" or "heavy"?<br>I see these terms in the literature, but I need the criteria or an explanation. Thanks in advance!<br>



Scott.a.shaw@statefarm.com

USRA developed "stock generic" steam locomotive designs when they took over railroads during the war as an efficiency measure. Depending on the axle load, different wheel arrangements had "light" and "Heavy" versions for both mainline and branchline use. <p>Dave<br>



lathro19@idt.net

Thanks for the info, Dave. That makes sense.<br>



Scott.a.shaw@statefarm.com