Pacing C&O 614 - Harriman NY

http://www.steamtrainvideos.com

Pacing Chesapeake & Ohio J3a 4-8-4 614 on I-87 through Harriman NY on the return trip to Hoboken NJ.

October 17, 1998

My DVD of these trips is available now at:
http://www.steamtrainvideos.com

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[typebangin]

Now available on DVD. See link above.

[amtraklover]

what about the N&W 611 in terms of pulling power?

[typebangin]

Without factoring in C&O 614's booster, N&W 611 has higher tractive effort due to smaller drivers (70 inch vs. 74 inch on 614) and higher boiler pressure (300 psi vs. 255 psi on 614).

As far as drawbar horsepower at different speeds, I don't know. Without reliable test data, these arguments about which locomotive is more powerful, faster, etc., are mostly just opinion.

[OldsVistaCruiser]

Great video!

What was your speedometer registering?

[typebangin]

It was so long ago, I don't really remember. If I had to guess, I'd say we were going somewhere between 50 and 60 mph.

[UnIonPacCheyenne]

@PRRforlife The Franklin Booster on the 614 was operated up to 30 mph. But you are right, they are most effective at lower speeds when a 4-8-4 type was prone to slip. The 614 was a more advanced design than either the NYC or Santa Fe engines.

[PRRforlife]

I think that the NYC Niagras were the best passenger 4-8-4 while the Santa Fe 2900 class was the best all around 4-8-4. 614 was a great 4-8-4 but in my opinion the booster tractive effort doesnt mean anything as they only work up to 15 mph and are prone to break. Once this happens its up to the good old cylinders to pull the train

[UnIonPacCheyenne]

@sidekike3 There is nothing "normal" about the 614. It was the most advanced 4-8-4 ever made. Between its high speed horsepower output, its high strength alloy steel construction, and its all roller bearing running gear, I have no issue with the claim of a 120+ mph top speed.

[889TS]

I rember watching saturday morning cartoons on cbs.Cbs would run a show called in the news.It was the hopes of building a modern steam locomotive.There she was in w.v. pulling coalcars through the snow.Her headligth shining through the snow.Now as for 611 i was on 1 of her last trains she pulled.I will never forgat her whistle.Talk about deep.I like them both big powerful machines.

[Bassfanatic94]

@UnIonPacCheyenne Totally agree! Thanks for the info!

[UnIonPacCheyenne]

@Bassfanatic94 The C&O 614 and N&W 611 both produce approx. 5000 HP. The 614 has a slight edge in tractive effort due to its booster and a much higher adhesion factor (ability to pull hard without slipping). The 614 also has an edge in top speed. But, overall, they are quite similar, and both represent the pinnacle of passenger steam development in the U.S.

[Bassfanatic94]

@amtraklover I would bet my money that 611 was way more powerful than this thing, but again its only my opinion. I would love to see this engine and 611 do a race on a level piece of track.

[trainlover479]

GOOD NEWS EVERYONE! 614 IS GONA RETURN IN 2011!