PRR K4s
A K4s-hauled train pauses at Aberdeen, Maryland on 1944-04-26. This is the classic prewar K4s configuration.
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| Type and origin | |
|---|---|
| Power type | Steam |
| Builder | PRR Juniata Shops (350), Baldwin Locomotive Works (75) |
| Total produced | 425 |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Configuration | 4-6-2 |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Driver dia. | 80 in (2,032 mm) |
| Length | 83 ft 6 in (25.45 m) |
| Adhesive weight | 201,830 lb (91,550 kg; 91.55 t) |
| Loco weight | 308,890 lb (140,110 kg; 140.11 t) |
| Total weight | 468,000 lb (212,000 kg; 212 t) |
| Fuel type | Coal |
| Fuel capacity | 32,000 lb (15,000 kg; 15 t) |
| Water cap | 7,000 US gal (26,000 l; 5,800 imp gal) |
| Firebox: • Firegrate area |
69.89 sq ft (6.493 m2) |
| Boiler pressure | 205 psi (1.41 MPa) |
| Cylinders | Two |
| Cylinder size | 27 in × 28 in (686 mm × 711 mm) |
| Performance figures | |
|---|---|
| Tractive effort | 44,460 lbf (197.8 kN) |
| Factor of adh. | 4.54 |
| Career | |
|---|---|
| Preserved | 1361 and 3750 |
The Pennsylvania Railroad's K4s 4-6-2 "Pacific" (425 built 1914–1928, PRR Altoona, Baldwin) was their premier passenger-hauling steam locomotive from 1914 through the end of steam on the PRR in 1957.
Attempts were made to replace the K4s, including the K5 and the T1 duplex locomotive, but none was really successful, and the K4s hauled the vast majority of express passenger trains until replaced by diesel locomotives. The K4s was not powerful enough for the heavier trains it often pulled from the mid-1930s onward, so they were often double or even triple headed. This was effective, but expensive—several crews were needed. The PRR did have the extra locomotives, many having been displaced by electrification.
It is recognized as the State Steam Locomotive of Pennsylvania. On December 18, 1987, Pennsylvania Governor Robert P. Casey signed into law House Bill No. 1211 naming the PRR K4 as the “official” state locomotive, according that title to both K4 survivors, 1361 and 3750.
The K4s was designed under the supervision of PRR Chief of Motive Power J.T. Wallis, assisted by Chief Mechanical Engineer Alfred W. Gibbs and Mechanical Engineer Axel Vogt, as one of a pair of classes with the L1s 2-8-2 "Mikado", sharing a boiler and other features. Some inspiration came from the large experimental K29s Pacific built in 1911 by the American Locomotive Company. Also influential was Gibbs' design for the successful E6 4-4-2 "Atlantics", from which the K4s inherited its heat-treated, lightweight machinery, its cast-steel KW trailing truck, and much of its appearance.
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