| Both RDG 560 & its sister #556 are sitting in the Newton, PA, yard with steam up and ready to roll. Built by Burham, Wms & Co (Baldwin) in 1890, this was originally an L1-a class. Original specifics - 61.5" drivers, modest 145 psi boiler pressure for its double set of 20x24" cylinders, engine weight of 136,525 lb, modest tractive effort of 19,239. Between 1921-29, the class was rebuilt by Reading shops and reclassified as their L-3se class as it appears here. Superheated, it produced an impressive 200 psi boiler pressure and delivered an improved tractive effot of 34,785 lb. No photographer listed for this photo. I have to admit, I find the camelback locos weird but fascinating creatures in the history of railroading! |