Southern Pacific class P-10

Southern Pacific 2479

Type and origin Power type Steam Builder Baldwin Locomotive Works Serial number 57228 Build date October 1923

Specifications Configuration 4-6-2 Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Driver dia. 73 in (1,854 mm) Adhesive weight 180,700 lb (82,000 kg) Loco weight 300,000 lb (136,100 kg) Fuel type fuel oil Boiler pressure 200 psi (1.4 MPa) Cylinder size 25 in × 30 in (635 mm × 762 mm)

Performance figures Tractive effort 43,660 lbf (194.21 kN)

Career Operators Southern Pacific Railroad Class P-10 Number in class 6 Numbers 2479 Delivered December 1, 1923 Retired July 19, 1956 Current owner California Trolley and Railroad Corporation Disposition undergoing restoration to operating condition

Type and origin
Power type	Steam
Builder	Baldwin Locomotive Works
Serial number	57228
Build date	October 1923

Specifications
Configuration	4-6-2
Gauge	4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Driver dia.	73 in (1,854 mm)
Adhesive weight	180,700 lb (82,000 kg)
Loco weight	300,000 lb (136,100 kg)
Fuel type	fuel oil
Boiler pressure	200 psi (1.4 MPa)
Cylinder size	25 in × 30 in (635 mm × 762 mm)

Performance figures
Tractive effort	43,660 lbf (194.21 kN)

Career
Operators	Southern Pacific Railroad
Class	P-10
Number in class	6
Numbers	2479
Delivered	December 1, 1923
Retired	July 19, 1956
Current owner	California Trolley and Railroad Corporation
Disposition	undergoing restoration to operating condition

Southern Pacific Railroad (SP) 2479 is one of six heavy 4-6-2 Pacific type steam locomotives built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1923, designated the P-10 class. 2479 was retired from service in 1956. the locomotive is currently undergoing restoration to operating condition by the California Trolley and Railroad Corporation; it is one of three surviving Southern Pacific 4-6-2 steam locomotives.

The six locomotives in 2479's class were designed to pull such trains as the Overland Limited between Sparks, Nevada, and Ogden, Utah, a total 568 miles (914 km), without changing engines. Average speed was 35 mph including stops. This would require road speeds of about 60 mph (97 km/h).

Performance proved most satisfactory and thereby set the basic design for all remaining Pacifics built for Southern Pacific Railroad (SP). The Pacific held many long distance assignments including the Daylight Limited between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the Sunset Limited between Los Angeles and El Paso, Texas, and the Sparks to Ogden run. As larger 4-8-2 class locomotives were assigned to these name trains, the 4-6-2 classes were reassigned to local passenger runs between Sacramento and Oakland and the San Francisco-San Jose, California, commuter service. The 2479 ended its service on these routes.

In February 1937, disaster struck the 2479. Pulling a passenger train called "The Owl" and steaming at 70 mph as it approached Selma, California, the locomotive struck a car lodged on the tracks. The impact indirectly caused the locomotive, its tender and seven cars to derail. The engine's pilot was bent on impact with the automobile and caught at the next grade crossing throwing the locomotive off the rails. Both the engineer and the fireman were killed. Although 2479 experienced heavy damage, it was rebuilt and placed back in revenue service. 2479 was again rebuilt at Southern Pacific Railroad's Bayshore shops on August 2, 1941, increasing its boiler pressure to 210 psi, and its tractive effort to 45,850 lb (20,800 kg). Its retirement came on July 19, 1956, as steam locomotion technology was replaced with newer diesel locomotives. SP 2479 was donated and moved to the Santa Clara County fairgrounds on September 6, 1958.

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