Steam question regarding the Shenandoah Division

[NW Mailing List]

Remember that axle loadings and not just total engine weight plays a part in 
weight restrictions too.  Don't know how that applies in this particular 
place, but I'm sure a J is much heavier per axle than a K.  Might not be as 
much a factor with the A though, since the Y's were so weighted with lead. 
Rollercoaster profile and inability to reach speeds at which an A runs most 
efficiently could have been factors.

Sam Putney

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "NW Mailing List" <nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org>
To: "N&W Railway" <nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org>
Sent: Friday, July 04, 2008 9:38 AM
Subject: Steam question regarding the Shenandoah Division



>I hope I am not totally going over old ground so please excuse me if that's 

>true. Please indulge me on this query.

>

> The N&W used both the K and Y classes on the Shenandoah Division. With 

> that weight and axle loading, why was neither the J nor the A operated 

> into Hagerstown during the 1982-1994 fan trip era?

>

> I was part of the DC area trip committee during those latter years and we 

> were always told weight being the reason for no J but that doesn't add up.

>

> I have also heard some story, don't know the accuracy that a J was tried 

> once during the active steam era and there was some problem at the Vardo 

> wye. Once again, old stories, rumors, unsubstantiated all told.

>

> For years the C&O 614 and Rdg 2100 lived in Hagerstown, so the weight 

> issue doesn't sound right either but other reasons .. who knows?

>

> Gentlemen ... any help out there?

>

> Thank you.

>

>

>

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