Steam question regarding the Shenandoah Division

[NW Mailing List]

Your clocking of a 2100 at 55 mph interested me because it confirms what I had heard.  To explain, the first job I had at the Shaffers Crossing roundhouse in 1956 was handling the broken steam locomotive parts reporting.  When a failed part was removed, either someone would notify me or I would discover it on my frequent circuits of the roundhouse.  I would inspect the part, fill out a report form to send to the physical lab in Roanoke Shops, and secure the part in case the lab wanted to inspect it.  In some cases as a result of the lab's inspection, the lab would notify the design office that a change in design was needed.  This was one way the N&W refined steam locomotive components for better durability.

I began to notice that a disproportionate number of broken parts were from 2100s off the Hagerstown line, so I asked one of the older supervisors about it and was told that the crews ran the 2100s as high as 60 mph, particularly on the portion of the line north of Shenandoah.  So, I am glad to see your confirmation of speeds in that range.

Gordon Hamilton

----- Original Message ----- 
  From: NW Mailing List 
  To: NW Mailing List 
  Sent: Sunday, July 06, 2008 6:30 PM
  Subject: Re: Steam question regarding the Shenandoah Division


  When I was in high school, I motorcaded a 2100 at an indicated 55 mph in my '52 Hillman Minx in the Valley.  The Y seemed more comfortable at that speed than did the Hillman.


  pete groom

  On Jul 6, 2008, at 6:52 AM, NW Mailing List wrote:


  "Remember that axle loadings and not just total engine weight plays a part in weight restrictions too.  Don't know how that applies in this particular place, but I'm sure a J is much heavier per axle than a K." 

      The Class A was timetable rated for "The Valley", while the J's were not. I have an idea that clearances on some bridges may have played a part in this. On the 611 excursion in '94, we had a slow order on the bridge over state Rt.43 at Buchanan due to a possible clearance issue.
      Maybe an overall smaller number of cars in the consist may have played a part. I haven't seen any pictures of passenger trains on the Shenandoah line that seemed like it would tax the capabilities of the K classes. Use of a J may have been overkill. 
      Whatever the reason the J's weren't used going north (or south), I would like to know the actual reason

  "Might not be as much a factor with the A though, since the Y's were so weighted with lead. Rollercoaster profile and inability to reach speeds at which an A runs most efficiently could have been factors."

  Rollercoaster profile would be a non-factor. As for inability of Y's inability to reach speeds at which an A runs most efficiently, you'll have to argue with the fast runners of the "Valley" on that one!
  Jimmy Lisle

  PS:
  Too bad hindsight is 20/20. If someone had taken the time to interview the men of steam back then, "Fast Runners of the Shenandoah Valley" would have been one helluva title for a book!  
  JRL
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