Erie L-1

The three L-1 0-8-8-0 steam locomotives of the Erie Railroad, built in July 1907 by ALCO, and numbered 2600, 2601 and 2602; were unique in that they were the only articulated camelback locomotives ever built. When built, they were the largest steam locomotives in the world. The Locomotive itself weighed 410,000 Lbs. (260 Tons) They were built for pushing service, especially on the heavy grades of the Delaware and Susquehanna Divisions over the Allegheny Mountains. In 1921 they were rebuilt as 2-8-8-2s with more conventionally located cabs. They were taken out of service in December 1930 as larger locomotives replaced them. Sadly all of the L1’s were scrapped.

Erie L-1 class
L-1 #2601 at Port Jervis, New York, June 1911.
Type and origin Power type Steam Builder American Locomotive Company Build date 1907 Total produced 3
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 0-8-8-0  • UIC D′D n4v Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) Driver dia. 51 in (1,295 mm) Fuel capacity 16 short tons (14.3 long tons; 14.5 t) Water cap 8,500 US gal (32,000 l; 7,100 imp gal) Boiler pressure 215 psi (1.48 MPa) High-pressure cylinder 25 in × 28 in (635 mm × 711 mm) Low-pressure cylinder 28 in × 28 in (711 mm × 711 mm) Valve type High pressure: Piston valves Low pressure: Slide valves
Career Operators Erie Railroad Class L-1 Numbers 2600–2602 Retired 1930 Disposition All scrapped