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Chicago & Northwestern Class E PacificThe C&NW began life as the Chicago and Galena Union Railroad in 1848. The panic in 1857 resulted in a reorganization into the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company in 1859. Meanwhile, trackage for the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Omaha Railroad began being laid in 1865. The Omaha was formally acquired by the C&NW in 1882. The C&NW's Proviso yard (13 miles west of the Chicago Loop) was completed in 1929. At time of completion, it was the largest freight yard in the US with a capacity of 26,000 freight cars. The C&NW was absorbed by the Union Pacific in 1995.The C&NW ran both light and heavy Pacifics. The Chicago & Northwestern Pacifics were built primarily by Schenectady. Class E PacificsClass E contained light Pacific models.
Class E2 PacificsThe heavy Pacifics were given the class designation E2. In 1934 a number class members were upgraded to Scullion 79" drivers and cast cylinders. They were converted to oil burning and had boiler pressure increased from 210 pounds to 225 pounds. The other members of the class received similar treatment in 1935 but remained coal burners. Oil burners were class E2A and coal burners E2B. One source says that the oil burners were returned to coal burning in 1939, while other sources say 1946. Whatever was the case, eventually the whole class did return to coal burning and reverted to simple class E2.
Streamlined E-2Two E2s were streamlined for Minnesota 400 service between Wyeville and Mankato, MN. These engines (617 and 620) were renumbered 1617 and 1620.
Class E3 PacificThe Omaha owned a Pacific classified as the E-3. Built by Schenectady in 1930, this is the largest Pacific ever built.
To see my project on kitbashing an C&NW Class E2 Pacific, click here. Credits
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(c) 2007 Iron Horse 1:29 |
