Specialty Graphics

Photos of Railroad Locomotives

Early Steam Locomotives

Several early steam locomotives.

Stevens Cog Locomotive

The original Rocket was built by John Stevens in 1825. The wood fueled locomotive operated at 100 psi and was propelled using a cog. These photos are of a replica, built in 1928, currently on display at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. (Photos: Richard Kruse, 2009)

Stevens Locomotive Replica

Stevens locomotive front view Stevens locomotive side view Stevens locomotive wheel Stevens locomotive driver cog

Stephenson's Rocket 0-2-2

The original Rocket was built by Robert and George Stephenson in 1829. The coke fueled locomotive operated at a steam pressure of 50 psi and had a maximum speed of around 29 miles per hour. These photos are of a replica, built in 1931, currently on display at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. (Photos: Richard Kruse, 2009)

Rocket Locomotive Replica

Rocket steam locomotive front view Rocket steam locomotive Rocket steam locomotive side view Rocket steam locomotive Rocket steam locomotive tender Rocket steam locomotive tender Rocket steam locomotive controls

York 0-4-0

The original York was designed by Phineas Davis and built by the Davis and Gartner Foundry in 1829. The coal fueled locomotive operated at a steam pressure of 115 psi and had a maximum speed of around 30 miles per hour. These photos are of a replica, built in 1927, currently on display at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. (Photos: Richard Kruse, 2009)

York Locomotive Replica

York steam locomotive York steam locomotive York steam locomotive tender York steam locomotive rear view York steam locomotive front view York steam locomotive York steam locomotive piston York steam locomotive boiler

Mississippi 0-4-0

The Mississippi was built in the 1830's. The locomotive was fueled with wood and generated steam pressure of 150 psi. The Mississippi is currently on display at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. (Photos: Richard Kruse, 2009)

Mississippi Locomotive

Mississippi steam locomotive side view Mississippi steam locomotive Mississippi steam locomotive piston Mississippi steam locomotive Mississippi steam locomotive boiler Mississippi steam locomotive tender Mississippi steam locomotive tender

John Bull

Ordered by Robert Stevens for the Camden and Amboy Railroad, the "John Bull" was built in 1831 by the Robert Stevenson & Company of New Castle, England. The locomotive was fueled with wood and attained speeds of 25 to 30 miles per hour. The John Bull is currently on display at the National Museum of American History. (Photos: Richard Kruse, 2009)

John Bull Locomotive

John Bull steam locomotive side view John Bull steam locomotive fire box John Bull steam locomotive boiler John Bull steam locomotive front John Bull steam locomotive front John Bull locomotive tender John Bull locomotive tender

4-4-0 'American' Type Locomotives

'American' type locomotives are identified by having a lead truck with four unpowered wheels, followed by four coupled drive wheels. The 4-4-0 configuration was very common on US railroads in the mid 1800's.

Leviathan 4-4-0 No. 63

Leviathan No. 63 is a recently constructed replica of an 1860's vintage locomotive. For more information, visit the Leviathan Website. These photos were taken in Owosso, Michigan at Train Festival 2009. (Photos: Richard Kruse, 2009)

Leviathan No. 63 at Train Festival, 2009

Leviathan 4-4-0 No. 63 Leviathan 4-4-0 No. 63 Leviathan 4-4-0 No. 63 Leviathan 4-4-0 No. 63 Leviathan 4-4-0 No. 63 Leviathan 4-4-0 No. 63 Leviathan 4-4-0 No. 63

Leviathan did a Complete Revolution on the Turntable

Leviathan 4-4-0 No. 63 Leviathan 4-4-0 No. 63 Leviathan 4-4-0 No. 63 Leviathan 4-4-0 No. 63 Leviathan 4-4-0 No. 63 Leviathan 4-4-0 No. 63 Leviathan 4-4-0 No. 63 Leviathan 4-4-0 No. 63

Empire State Express No. 999

In 1893, engine 999 became the land speed record holder when it reached 112.5 mph. Empire State Express 999 is on permanent display at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. (Photos: Richard Kruse, 2009)

Engine 999

Engine 999 Engine 999 Front Engine 999 Engine 999 Engine 999 Lead Truck Engine 999 Driver Engine 999 Cab Engine 999 Tender Engine 999 Rear of Tender Engine 999 Boiler

View of Engine 999 from Above

Engine 999 top view of tender Engine 999 top view of tender Engine 999 top view of cab Engine 999 top view of boiler Engine 999 top view of sand dome Engine 999 top view of front

Jupiter 4-4-0 No. 3

Jupiter No. 3 was built in 1876 for the Santa Cruz Railroad. The locomotive was designed to operate on 36" narrow-gauge track. Jupiter was sold to Guatemala after the Santa Cruz Railroad switched to standard gauge track in 1883. The locomotive was restored to its original configuration and place on display for the American bicentennial exhibition in 1976. These photos were taken at the National Museum of American History in Washington D.C.. (Photos: Richard Kruse, 2009)

Jupiter 4-4-0 No. 3 Jupiter 4-4-0 No. 3 Jupiter 4-4-0 No. 3 Jupiter 4-4-0 No. 3 Jupiter 4-4-0 No. 3 Jupiter 4-4-0 No. 3 Jupiter 4-4-0 No. 3 Jupiter 4-4-0 No. 3 Jupiter 4-4-0 No. 3 Jupiter 4-4-0 No. 3 Jupiter 4-4-0 No. 3 Jupiter 4-4-0 No. 3 Jupiter 4-4-0 No. 3 Jupiter 4-4-0 No. 3 Jupiter 4-4-0 No. 3 Jupiter 4-4-0 No. 3

4-6-2 Pacific Type Locomotives

'Pacific' type locomotives are identified by having a lead truck with four unpowered wheels, six coupled drive wheels, and two unpowered trailing wheels. Often used for passenger service, Pacific locomotives were a common sight on American railways during the first half of the 20th century.

Grand Trunk Western No. 5030

GTW-5030 was built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1912. The locomotive was involved in a derailment near Durand, Michigan, in 1923. The tragic accident resulted in five deaths and thirty-two injuries. The locomotive was repaired after the accident and was returned to service. The 5030 is currently displayed at the R.A. Greene Park in Jackson, MI. (Photos: Richard Kruse, 2009)

Grand Trunk Western No. 5030

GTW 5030 locomotive left side of GTW 5030 steam locomotive right side of GTW 5030 steam locomotive GTW 5030 locomotive crew cab

Side Pan

GTW 5030 locomotive lead truck and piston GTW 5030 coupled drive wheels GTW 5030 locomotive cab GTW 5030 tender

Running Gear

GTW 5030 lead truck and piston GTW 5030 locomotive GTW 5030 running gear GTW 5030 drive wheels

Tender

Left side of GTW 5030 Tender GTW 5030 Tender GTW 5030 Tender Right side of GTW 5030 Tender GTW 5030 tender rear view GTW 5030 tender coupler GTW 5030 Tender truck

Details

GTW 5030 locomotive GTW 5030 locomotive steam piston GTW 5030 locomotive steam dome GTW 5030 locomotive sand dome and chimney GTW 5030 locomotive bell

North Carolina No. 1401

Operated by the Southern Railway, the 1401 pulled passenger trains from the mid-1920s until the early 1950s. This historic locomotive pulled President Franklin Roosevelt's funeral train in 1945. In 1951, the "North Carolina" came to the Smithsonian. These photos were taken at the National Museum of American History in Washington D.C.. (Photos: Richard Kruse, 2009)

North Carolina 1401 locomotive control cab on steam locomotive control cab on steam locomotive steam locomotive drive wheels steam locomotive boiler steam locomotive fire box steam locomotive fire box North Carolina 1401 locomotive steam locomotive piston front of 1401 locomotive steam locomotive front detail North Carolina 1401 locomotive

Little River Railroad No. 110

These photos were taken in Owosso, Michigan at Train Festival 2009. (Photos: Richard Kruse, 2009)

Little River Railroad No. 110 Little River Railroad No. 110

Pacific Locomotive Control Cab

Pacific type locomotive control cab on display at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. (Photos: Richard Kruse, 2009)

Control Cab Exterior

Pacific Locomotive Cab Exterior Pacific Locomotive Cab Exterior Pacific Locomotive Cab Exterior Pacific Locomotive Cab Exterior

Control Cab Interior

Pacific Locomotive Cab Interior Pacific Locomotive Cab Interior Pacific Locomotive Cab Interior Pacific Locomotive Cab Interior Pacific Locomotive Cab Interior

Pacific Locomotive Graphic

Pacific Locomotive graphic for gifts

Pacific locomotive design available on t-shirts, mugs, mousepads, prints and stickers. The words 'Pacific 4-6-2' surround the locomotive. This image is of the former Grand Trunk Western 5030. The locomotive is currently displayed in Jackson, Michigan. A great gift idea for model railroaders and train enthusiasts!

More Information

Mousepad with Pacific Steam Engine T-shirt with Pacific Steam Engine Pacific locomotive baseball cap Pacific steam engine sweatshirt Button with Pacific steam engine logo
 

0-4-0T Steam Locomotives

0-4-0 locomotives have four coupled drive wheels, and no lead or trailing wheels. The "T" in the designation indicates that the unit is a "Tank" locomotive. Tank locomotives do not use a tender, as the water and fuel are carried on the locomotive itself.

0-4-0T locomotives are optimized for use as switchers. With all wheels being coupled drive wheels, all the locomotives weight can be used for traction. Without a tender, the locomotive can travel equally well in either direction.

Little River 0-4-0T No.1

Little River 0-4-0T No.1. These photos were taken in Owosso, Michigan at Train Festival 2009. (Photos: Richard Kruse, 2009)

Little River 0-4-0 Steam Locomotive Little River 0-4-0 Steam Locomotive 0-4-0 Steam Locomotive front view Little River 0-4-0 Steam Locomotive rear view of 0-4-0 steam locomotive Little River 0-4-0 Steam Locomotive cab

Flagg Coal 0-4-0T No. 75

Flagg Coal 0-4-0T No. 75. These photos were taken in Owosso, Michigan at Train Festival 2009. (Photos: Richard Kruse, 2009)

Flagg Coal 0-4-0 Steam Locomotive side view Flagg Coal 0-4-0 Steam Locomotive

Viscose 0-4-0T No. 6

Viscose 0-4-0T No. 6 steam locomotive. These photos were taken in Owosso, Michigan at Train Festival 2009. (Photos: Richard Kruse, 2009)

Viscose 0-4-0 Steam Locomotive Viscose 0-4-0 Steam Locomotive Viscose 0-4-0 Steam Locomotive Viscose 0-4-0 Steam Locomotive Viscose 0-4-0 Steam Locomotive

GP38-3

GP38-3. These photos were taken in Jackson, Michigan. (Photos: Richard Kruse, 2009)

Norfolk Southern 5825

Norfolk Southern GP-38-3 Locomotive Norfolk Southern GP-38-3 Locomotive Norfolk Southern GP-38-3 Locomotive Norfolk Southern GP-38-3 Locomotive

Norfolk Southern 5805

Norfolk Southern GP-38-3 Locomotive

GP40-2W

Huron and Eastern Railway 9712

GP40-2W HESR-9712. These photos were taken in Owosso, Michigan at Train Festival 2009. (Photos: Richard Kruse, 2009)

GP-40 HESR-9712 at Owosso GP-40 HESR-9712 at Owosso GP-40 HESR-9712 at Owosso GP-40 HESR-9712 at Owosso

MP36PH-3S

MP36PH-3S locomotives are manufactured by MotivePower. A 16 cylinder diesel engine provides traction power as well as HEP (Head End Power). Of the 3600HP produced, 2930HP is available for traction. Chicago Metra purchased 27 of these units during 2003 and 2004.

Metra 425

Metra 425. These photos were taken near Chicago Union Station. (Photos: Richard Kruse, 2006)

Chicago Metra MP36 Chicago Metra MP36

Metra 423

Metra 423. These photos were taken near Chicago Union Station. (Photos: Richard Kruse, 2006)

Chicago Metra MP36

F40PHM-2

F40PHM-2 operated by Chicago Metra. These photos were taken near Chicago Union Station. (Photos: Richard Kruse, 2006)

Metra 210

F40PHM-2 Chicago Metra 210 F40PHM-2 Chicago Metra 210

Metra 214

F40PHM-2 Chicago Metra 214

P-42 Amtrak

P-42 locomotives are used extensively by Amtrak and VIA. Built by General Electric, the P-42 is capable of speeds up to 110 mph.

Amtrak 87

Amtrak P-42 locomotive leaving Chicago Union Station. (Photos: Richard Kruse, 2006)

Amtrak P42 Locomotive 87 Amtrak P42 Locomotive 87 Amtrak P42 Locomotive 87

Amtrak 21 and 203

Amtrak 21 and 203 pulling a Superliner train-set approaching Chicago Union Station. (Photos: Richard Kruse, 2009)

Amtrak P42 21 Amtrak P42 203 Amtrak P42 21 Amtrak P42 21 and 203 Amtrak P42 top view Amtrak P42 21 and 203 Amtrak P42 203 from rear

Amtrak 34

Photos of Amtrak 34, pulling the Wolverine thru Jackson, Michigan. (Photos: Richard Kruse, 2009)

Amtrak P42 Locomotive 34 Amtrak P42 Locomotive 34 Amtrak P42 Locomotive 34 Amtrak P42 Locomotive 34

EMD SW8 Switching Locomotive

The EMD SW8 is a diesel switching locomotive manufactured by General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD) and General Motors Diesel (GMD). 374 units were produced between 1950 and 1954. SW8 locomotives are powered by an eight cylinder diesel power-plant producing 800 horsepower.

EMD SW8 U.S. Air Force 2021

A SW8 switcher formally used by the United States Air Force at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. This was one of three SW8 locomotives (road numbers 2000, 2007, and 2021) used to support the Titan IV launch complex (SLC-40), including moving of solid rocket booster segments and towing fully assembled Titan IV rockets to the launch pad. This switcher is now on display at the Air Force Space and Missile Museum. (Photos: Richard Kruse, 2009)

Air Force SW8 Switcher Side view of SW8 switcher Front view of SW8 switcher

Railroad T-shirts and Gifts

A variety of train designs available on t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and other products. Great gift ideas for railroad workers, model railroaders, and railfans.

Gifts for model railroaders

Find dozens of railroad themed gifts at History and Science T-shirts and Gifts.

Steam Locomotive Types

(Whyte Notation)

Whyte notation was developed by Frederick Whyte and is one of the most common systems for classifying steam locomotives.

The system used a series of numbers, separated by dashes, counting the number of wheels. The first digit counted the number of lead wheels, the middle numbers counted coupled drive wheels, the final number counted trailing wheels.


2-2-0 Planet

0-4-0 Four-Wheels
2-4-2 Columbia
4-4-0 American
4-4-2 Atlantic
4-4-4 Reading

2-6-0 Mogul
2-6-2 Prairie
4-6-0 Ten-Wheeler
4-6-2 Pacific
4-6-4 Hudson

2-8-0 Consolidation
2-8-2 Mikado
2-8-4 Berkshire
4-8-4 Northern

2-10-0 Decapod
2-10-2 Santa Fe
2-10-4 Texas
4-10-0 Mastodon
4-10-2 Overland

2-6-6-6 Allegheny
4-6-6-4 Challenger

4-8-8-4 Big Boy

Railroad Abbreviations

Reporting Marks for Selected North American Railroads


Class I Railroads

BNSF Burlington Northern and Santa Fe
CN Canadian National
CP Canadian Pacific
CSX CSX Transportation
FXE Ferrocarril Mexicano
KCS Kansas City Southern
KCSM Kansas City Southern de Mexico
NS Norfolk Southern
UP Union Pacific

Other Railroads

AA Ann Arbor
AMTK Amtrak
ACL Atlantic Coast Line
B&O Baltimore and Ohio
C&O Chesapeake and Ohio
CR Conrail
EL Erie Lackawanna
GTW Grand Trunk Western
IC Illinois Central
MC Michigan Central
NYC New York Central
PRR Pennsylvania Railroad
SBD Seaboard System
SAL Seaboard Air Line
SCL Seaboard Coast Line
SOO Soo Line
SP Southern Pacific
VIA VIA Rail Canada
WM Western Maryland Railway
WP Western Pacific