| Massive is not descriptive enough for this Alco-Schenectady 2-8-8-2 locomotive named a "Chesapeake" wheel configuration by C&O. This was delivered to C&O in 1924 as #1100 but renumbered in 1926. For some reason the railroad replaced 1124 with 1540 and 1100 with 1541 with the rest of the class receiving 1542-1564 in order. Known as "Simple Simons" or "Simons" (according to C&O Power) because they operated as simple-expansion articulateds, unlike the earlier compound Mallets. Specifics - 57" drivers, 215 psi boiler pressure, 23x32" cylinders, engine weight of 567,500 lb, impressive tractive effort of 108,547 lb. To UP 3571 in 1945, retired in February 1947. from C.W. Jernstrom collection |