Pennsylvania Railroad class J28

The Pennsylvania Railroad's class J28 comprised 2 experimental 2-6-2 "Prairie" type steam locomotives.

PRR Class J28
Type and origin Power type Steam Builder Alco-Schenectady Build date 1905 Total produced 2
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 2-6-2 Gauge 4 ft 8 ^1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) Driver dia. 80 in (2,000 mm) Wheelbase:  • Engine 34 ft 3 in (10,440 mm) Total weight 377,500 lb (171,200 kg) Fuel type coal Fuel capacity 13.5 tons Water cap 7,000 imp gal (32,000 l; 8,400 US gal) Firebox:  • Firegrate area 54 sq ft (5.0 m^2) Heating surface:  • Firebox 89 sq ft (8.3 m^2) Valve gear #7453: Stephenson #2761: Walschaerts
Performance figures Maximum speed 45-65 Mph Tractive effort 27,504 lbf
Career Operators Pennsylvania Railroad Class J28 Number in class 2 Numbers 7453, 2761 Locale Northeastern United States Retired 1921 (1) 1924 (1) Disposition Scrapped

History

In 1905, the Pennsylvania Railroad needed a better steam locomotive, than the class E 4-4-2 "Atlantic" type. So, the railroad ordered two 2-6-2s from Alco-Schenectady. They were tested extensively and failed in railroad service. But, they were still on the roster in the late 1920s.

Specifications

The two J28s had 80 inch drivers and a 34.25 foot engine wheelbase. Engine #7453 had inboard piston valves and Stephenson valve gear, while #2761 had outside piston valves and Walschaerts valve gear. They each weighed 377,500 pounds with the tender. They had 27,504 pounds of tractive effort. They had 89 square feet (8.3 m²) of firebox space. They had a grate area of 54 square feet (5.0 m²). They could hold 7,000 gallons of water and 13.5 tons of coal. Despite these specifications and more, the J28 was not a powerful enough Pennsylvania Railroad locomotive.