New York Central 3001

New York Central 3001
File:NYC3001.jpg #3001 on display at its home in Elkhart, Indiana.
Type and origin Power type Steam Builder American Locomotive Company Serial number 69338 Build date October 1940
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 4-8-2  • UIC 2′D1′ h2 Gauge 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) Driver dia. 69 in (1,753 mm) Adhesive weight 262,000 lb (118.8 tonnes) Loco weight 338,500 lb (153.5 tonnes) Fuel type Coal Boiler pressure 250 lbf/in2 (1.72 MPa) Cylinders Two Cylinder size 25.5 in × 30 in (648 mm × 762 mm) Valve type Piston valves Loco brake Air Train brakes Air
Performance figures Tractive effort 60,077 lbf (267.24 kN)
Career Disposition On display at National New York Central Railroad Museum

New York Central Railroad Mohawk #3001 is a preserved 4-8-2 "Mountain" type steam locomotive.

History

Main article: NYC Mohawk

In the 20th Century when looking for more heavier steam power to move freight and passenger trains, the New York Central looked at a dual service steam locomotive. The New York Central railroad acquired a 4-8-2 "Mountain". The 4-8-2 was able to move passenger and freight trains at ease. So, the Big Four (New York Central) began buying 4-8-2s from ALCO (American Locomotive Company).

Service Life

New York Central #3001 is a member of the class L-3a Mohawks. Based in Ohio, the mighty Mohawk powered many general freight and passenger trains, such as the 20th Century Limited. The mighty 4-8-2 was often used in freight trains due to many NYC Hudsons available in passenger trains and in later years, diesel-electric locomotives. In the later years of steam on the New York Central the 3001 and the other Mohawks were demoted to lighter trains, due to Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad (NYC subsidiary) 2-8-4 "Berkshires" and NYC Niagaras handling the increasingly growing heavier freight trains on the system. As the advent of technology and the advancement of diesels, the 3001 and her sisters saw the end coming nearer and nearer.

Retirement

Initially, NYC 3001 was to be cut up, but many employees didn't want it cut up, so they did whatever they could to hide the Mohawk so, it wouldn't get put up for scrap. The Mohawk survives, only because of the employees of the New York Central working in secret to keep the 4-8-2 from getting the "ax" (scrapped).

Today

Today, the Mohawk is at the New York Central Railroad Museum. It is often hoped, that the Mohawk, will be restored to operation condition.

See also

PRR M1- This is the Pennsylvania Railroad's version of the Mohawks. Just like the Mohawk the M1 was a dual service locomotive.