| Normally I don't post photos of photos but this is another one of the exceptions. A note on the back of this older b&w photo states "Outside Cumberland east. Copied from 7 1/2 x 4 " old photo taken with box camera." Instead of the term "Northern", WM called this 4-8-4 configuration "Potomacs" which was a preferred name for a "southern" railroad. Specifics - J-1 class, 69" drivers, impressive 255 psi boiler pressure, 26.5x32" cylinders, engine weight of 5-6,500 lb, tractive effort of 70,591 lb. Date is approximate. With Mark Reever's help (see comment below), the photo must have been taken between 1947-53. Also, Nick Chillianis (see comment below) added the final disposition of this loco -"Pulled from service in 1954 but sat until their equipment trusts expired in 1957, when they were sold for scrap." Unknown photographer |