--- In [email protected], "John Picur" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
<skip> I would definitely argue against NYC using stock locomotives,
at least after Paul W. Kiefer became the Supt. of Motive Power.
<snip>
That seems reasonable, but RR design criterion had more to do with
things like steaming character, factors of adhesion, existing height
restrictions and coal usage than locomotive style. The NYC Niagara
looked like it did because it needed a huge boiler to deliver enough
steam volume to maintain heavy trains at 80 mph and it had to fit
under all the railroad's bridges! I would think (just my opinion)
that many designs started with a stock or existing design and then
attempted to improve it to new requirements.
The Pennsy used the C&O 2-10-4 plans to develop the J's and it was
Lima who really initiated "superpower". In fact, they built the
first superpower 2-8-2 "on spec" and then offered it to the NYC for
testing and eventual purchase. That was NYC H10 #8000, the
prototype for 300 or so H10a and H10b Mikes. Interestingly enough,
the NYC gave Alco Lima's plans so they could build several of the
locomotives! I doubt something like that would happen today
Again my opinion, but I think it was all much more of a compilation
and adaptation process. Each RR wanted a locomotive that was
adapted to its particular profile and use, but they were all built
from common technical specifications that were widely known and
accepted at the time. Interestingly enough for our
generation, "horsepower" was not that important of a spec!
Jim K.
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