| Page #108 - Ron Nixon's Northern Pacific Locomotives |
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Class W-5 (1835-1859) 2-8-2 Mikado. Total built 25. Schenectady Works,
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In 1926, W-5 No. 1844 set a world record by hauling a 4000-ton freight train from
Auburn to the Twin Cities without uncoupling from the train. A distance of 1897.6
miles, engines on freights were normally changed fifteen times. Unusual is the fact
that 1844 burned four different types of coal enroute, which just wasn't done in
those days. 353 tons were used as well as 442,000 gallons of water. The trip was made
in 109 hours, 30 minutes, with no mechanical trouble.
The W-5s were NP's last and largest Mikados and were first assigned to the Yellowstone Division with a few going to the Rocky Mountain. After arrival of the 5000s, the W-5s worked between Missoula and Spokane until 1937. After that they were seen nearly anyplace on the system. The photo of 1844 was made at Muir, Montana, Nov. 17, 1940. |
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