1920
The Success of the K4s Locomotive:Perpetually searching for more powerful and efficient locomotives, the Pennsylvania Railroad introduced its new standard passenger power in 1914. The K4s Pacific blended the best attributes of other successful locomotives including the E6 Atlantic and earlier Pacific locomotives. A powerful and speedy thoroughbred, the K4s' quickly became the standard power for passenger trains, assigned to every division and schedule on the Railroad, from locals to mail and express, and even the "Blue Ribbon" fleet. It proved so successful that it outlasted most other classes of the Pennsy's steam power and worked along side the newer diesel-electric power until the last days of steam.
Builder: Pennsylvania RR, Juniata, PA
Build Date: March, 1920
Retirement Date: April 29, 1958
Wheel Arrangement: 4-6-2
Class: K4s "Pacific"
Number Built: 425
Weight of Engine: 160 tons
Length: (including tender) 84 ft.
Driving Wheel Diameter: 80 inches
Tractive Effort: 44,646 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: Coal: 22 tons, Water: 11,300 gal.
Boiler Pressure: 250 psi
PHMC Cat No. RR79.40.8
* Listed on the National Register of Historic Places *
No. 3750:No. 3750 spent most her her service life in relative obscurity, hauling commuters on lines east of Harrisburg. One highlight came early in her career, pulling President Warren G. Harding's funeral train out of Washington, DC in 1923.
After making her last revenue run in October of 1957, No. 3750 awaited the scrapper's torch in the West Philadelphia roundhouse. Fate intervened, however, in 1958. The first K4s No. 1737, which had been set aside for preservation, was badly deteriorated and could not be saved, so the PRR selected No. 3750 for preservation as part of their historical collection instead. In her place, no. 3750 was stripped of her identity and given No. 1737's number plate.
Disguised, No. 3750 remained with the PRR's historic collection in Northumberland, PA until it was moved to the Railroad Museum in Strasburg, PA, in 1969, where she was restored to her true identity. In 1987, Governor Robert Casey signed House Bill 1211 making the Pennsylvania Railroad's K4s the official state steam locomotive of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
(Banner at Bottom):No. 3750 held the honor of pulling President Warren G. Harding's funeral train in 1923.
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