L2s class
Type and origin
Power typeSteam
Build date1919
Total produced33
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • Whyte2-8-2
Gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Career
OperatorsGrand Rapids and Indiana Railroad,
Pennsylvania Railroad
ClassL2s
Numbers20006-20038 (PRR)

The Pennsylvania Railroad's class L2s[1] was a class of USRA Light Mikados originally purchased (1919) for the subsidiary Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad. Similar in size to the home-designed and built L1s, the L2s was easily distinguishable by their radial-stay fireboxes and Hodges fabricated trailing trucks. They were built by ALCO. All were retired in 1948.

History

After World War I, the Pennsylvania Railroad needed a lighter 2-8-2 type steam locomotive to handle lighter freight trains on the system. In 1919, 38 locomotives (GR&I 106-112 and PRR 20006-20038) were purchased while the railroad was under USRA control. Alco, Baldwin, and Lima filled the order. Most were sold in 1923 (20006-20038) to the SLSF (Frisco) and MP (Missouri Pacific). Five were retained to run on the Grand Rapids & Indiana and renumbered in 1921 to PRR 9627-9631. All 5 locomotives 9627 to 9631 remaining with the Pennsy were photographed at some stage, most in the 1930s.[2]

Retirement

The five locos remained in service through World War II, until being replaced and dropped from the roster between March and November 1948.[3] Frisco 4018 (former PRR 20030) is displayed at Birmingham, Al.

Train model

LGB produced a USRA Light Mikado from 2001 to 2004 in G scale in multiple fallen flag railroad names including product number 21872, Pennsylvania Railroad No. 2809. In HO scale, Märklin produced both a 2 rail version (TRIX brand)[4] in 2004 (product ID 22804) and a 3-rail version (product ID 37976)[5] in 2011. Both of these faithfully replicate the Pennsylvania lettering and paint scheme of the inter-war years.

References

  1. ↑ "Pennsylvania L2s". Retrieved February 21, 2020.
  2. ↑ "Pennsylvania L2s photos, dates and sources". Retrieved February 21, 2020.
  3. ↑ "Pennsylvania L2s #9627 photo and comments". Retrieved February 21, 2020.
  4. ↑ "TRIX 22804". Retrieved February 21, 2020.
  5. ↑ "Maerklin 37976". Retrieved February 21, 2020.
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