Pennsylvania Railroad class A5s

The Pennsylvania Railroad's class A5s was the largest class of 0-4-0 steam locomotives. The Pennsylvania Railroad built 47 in its Juniata Shops between 1916–1924. They were all retired by 1957. One is preserved at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.

PRR A5s
PRR No. 94 at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Type and origin
Power typeSteam
BuilderJuniata Shops
Build date1916–1924
Total produced47
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • Whyte0-4-0
Gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in)
Driver dia.50 inches (1,300 mm)
Loco weight131,750 pounds (59,760 kg)
Firebox:
 • Firegrate area		38.3 square feet (3.56 m2)
Boiler pressure185 pounds (84 kg)
Cylinder size20 inches (510 mm) × 24 inches (610 mm)
Performance figures
Tractive effort30,190 pounds (13,690 kg)
[1]

History

In the 1920s many railroads in the United States of America had retired 0-4-0 steam locomotives, because they were too small for switching duties. This was not the case on the Pennsylvania Railroad. The Pennsylvania Railroad was keen on this wheel arrangement due to complex street and tight industrial trackage across its broad network. For some of these lines, the Pennsylvania Railroad needed a large 0-4-0 to handle the larger switching activities the railroad had. Although the class B was designated for steam locomotives with the 0-6-0 wheel arrangement, these steam locomotives could not fit the tight and complex street, dockyard and industrial trackage the Pennsylvania Railroad had in its possession.

As early as 1956, the A5s steam locomotives started to be replaced by higher horse powered and heavy duty diesel switchers. Over the next year, these switchers were gradually replaced by diesel locomotives. Finally in 1957, the Pennsylvania Railroad converted from steam to diesel power and the end of an era was finished.

Preservation

There is one known A5s 0-4-0 in existence. Pennsylvania Railroad number 94, is the sole surviving A5s in existence. It is at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg, Pennsylvania, across from the Strasburg Rail Road.

Notes
  1. Staufer & Pennypacker 1962, pp. 15–16

References
  • Staufer, Alvin F.; Pennypacker, Bert (1962). Pennsy Power: Steam and Electric Locomotives of the Pennsylvania Railroad, 1900-1957. Research by Martin Flattley. Carollton, Ohio: Alvin F. Staufer. ISBN 978-0-9445-1304-0.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
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