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." 

    The Class A was timetable rated for "The Valley", while the J's were not. I have an idea that clearances on some bridges may have played a part in this. On the 611 excursion in '94, we had a slow order on the bridge over state Rt.43 at Buchanan due to a possible clearance issue.
    Maybe an overall smaller number of cars in the consist may have played a part. I haven't seen any pictures of passenger trains on the Shenandoah line that seemed like it would tax the capabilities of the K classes. Use of a J may have been overkill. 
    Whatever the reason the J's weren't used going north (or south), I would like to know the actual reason

"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."

Rollercoaster profile would be a non-factor. As for inability of Y's inability to reach speeds at which an A runs most efficiently, you'll have to argue with the fast runners of the "Valley" on that one!
Jimmy Lisle

PS:
Too bad hindsight is 20/20. If someone had taken the time to interview the men of steam back then, "Fast Runners of the Shenandoah Valley" would have been one helluva title for a book!  
JRL
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