| Beautiful Alco-Schenectady 4-8-4 Northern type steam locomotive that served the Timken Roller Bearing Company as their demonstrator for a year. Nicknamed "Timken Four Aces", this loco was built to demonstrate the unique advantages of having all sealed roller bearings rather than plain bearings or a combination of the two. It was demonstrated on 14 different railroads and by August of 1931, had run over 90,000 miles when it was delivered to the Northern Pacific, the 15th and last demonstration. While under their use, it suffered serious crown sheet damage that NP refused to repair. Timken and NP finally settled the problem through the sale to Northern Pacific, becoming their #2626. Specs - serial #68056, 73" drivers, impressive 250 psi boiler pressure, 27x30" cylinders, engine weight of 371,000 lb, tractive effort of 63,700 lb. No photographer was listed for the photo and inaccurately labeled 6/22/1930. |