Thats one of the ones that they call a bigboy at the end of the steam era right?

844 was built in 1944, shes not called a big boy in my gallery look for submission called 4003

#844 is a 4-8-4 "Northern" type. Big Boy class engines were 4-8-8-4 configurations and none are currently operatable. However, Union Pacific does operate "Challenger" class 4-6-6-4 #3985(which is one step down from the Big Boys) on occassion and is the largest operating steamer in the world.

Modern "Northerns" like 844 were basically the last word in American passenger steam power technology.

except for 614 who was built in 1948 and is said to be the most modern 4-8-4.

Indeed #614 being the last passenger type locomotive to roll off the line at Lima she is literally the -last- word in American steam tech. Hence the reason she was used in Ross Rowlands "ACE3000" project tests when steam power was seriously being considered again for motive power when oil prices were hurting the railroads.

what about 611? I hear people say that the J's were the most advanced when it came to steam power for Northern types

#611 and #614 are on the same level when it comes to steady performance and extended maintenance free operation. The inclusion of roller bearings on nearly every moving part on both saw to that. However comparing the two also has a bit of apples and oranges mentality.

The "J" class were completely custom built by the N&W shops to do one thing. Haul passengers quickly over the alleghenys without stopping for servicing. This they did extremely well and with an average of only 2 hours of servicing between 800 mile trips they were the last word in continual steady service.

#614 however is an off the factory floor model and has better superheater technology (Lima's specialty) and is overall faster with much heavier loads than the "J" class could handle. I doubt #611 could drag an 80 car string of loaded coal hoppers around the mountains at almost passenger speeds like #614 was doing in the 1980's. The #1218 maybe but not #611.

#614 may need slightly more servicing on extended runs but not that much more. Plus she's simply built to be heavier, faster, and drag almost anything that was coupled behind it.

Funny how just a few months ago they were displayed right next to each other

no nothern in more elegant than the GS class. 4449 is sleek and elegant.

WOW! nice! Ware was this at?

Oh my- Very nice-
Work out all you want, you'll still look tiny beside that engine!

Lucky you.

I never been close to ones since I was 12 years old. Though. I will be going to Steamton PA

Hmm Bald Knob...get a chance to check out the train store up there yet?

the one in the station mostly carries O gauge.

that's weird, he used to have a good stock of everything. I knew the owner personally when he had the store in Pine Bluff

I am jelous of youuuuu!! I havent been to a locomotive meuseam in ages. I was 5 or 6 the last time I went to one. 844 was the begining of the end of the steam locomotive.

be more jealous of me Cause I was in the roundhouse a few weeks ago
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/5791526
See?

ah that where it went I knew it was getting prepared for a trip to someplace

AAAAAAHHhhhhhh! You lucky.

I only went to Cheyenne,Wyoming for a model train show but instead found free tour for the roundhouse & shops Have last years pics in my gallery too

i hope too see her july 2. seen her big sister up 3985.

POWER!!! >D

nice x3