Peter's Model Railroading | The PRR Chartiers Branch | Equipment
K4

Purpose

The PRR K4 had a 4-6-2 wheel arrangement (commonly referred to as a "Pacific"). This is probably the most iconic PRR steam engine. On the Chartiers branch these locomotives were only used when heavier or special-events passenger trains were needed. For example, Canonsburg was and is well-known for its massive July 4th celebration, which would draw tens of thousands of people to the city, requiring long trains of heavyweight passenger cars, so the K4 was brought in.

Construction

The PRR's Altoona Machine Shops built a total of 350 of these locomotives, and later Baldwin Locomotive Works built another 75 at their facility. They started being built in 1914, but were delayed by the outbreak of World War I. Construction resumed in 1917 and continued until 1928.

Specifications

These locomotives had 80-inch driver wheels and 36-inch pilot wheels. The total coupled length of the engine and tender was 83'6" (this is 15-2/3" in S-scale / 1:64).

Performance

The engine could produce 44,460 pound-feet of tractive effort and had a top speed of 90mph.

Photos

References