description Chesapeake & Ohio Allegheny Overview
The Chesapeake & Ohio Allegheny is a class of 2-6-6-6 articulated steam locomotives built by the Lima Locomotive Works between 1941 and 1948. Designed for heavy freight and coal drag service, they were highly powerful machines optimized for pulling massive loads over mountainous terrain. The wheel arrangement featured a six-wheel leading truck and a six-wheel trailing truck supporting a large firebox. One example, No.
1601, is preserved at the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan.
help Chesapeake & Ohio Allegheny FAQ
Why was the C&O Allegheny built with a 2-6-6-6 wheel arrangement?
The 2-6-6-6 configuration provided massive tractive effort needed to haul incredibly heavy coal trains over the Allegheny Mountains. The six-axle trailing truck was necessary to support the enormous weight of a very large firebox used to burn coal efficiently.
How many C&O Allegheny locomotives were built?
The Lima Locomotive Works built exactly 60 Allegheny locomotives between 1941 and 1948. The Chesapeake & Ohio Railway purchased the majority of them, though a smaller batch went to the Virginian Railway.
What was the primary service role of the C&O Allegheny?
They were primarily designed for heavy freight and coal drag service, pulling massive loads over the mountainous grades of West Virginia and Virginia. Despite their immense power, they were occasionally pressed into passenger service during World War II.
How much horsepower did the C&O Allegheny produce?
The Allegheny produced roughly 7,500 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful steam locomotives ever built. In fact, later engineering calculations showed it may have been even more powerful than the famous Union Pacific Big Boy.
explore Explore More
Similar to Chesapeake & Ohio Allegheny
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
