| This massive loco almost has the appearance of two 2-8-0's mashed together under one cowling shell and probably why Southern Pacific referred to these locos as "Mallet Consolidations". Built by Alco-Schenectady in March of 1924, this 2-8-8-2 wheel configuration was dubbed the "Chesapeake" by C&O and was classified as H-7. Originally this unit was numbered 1123 but renumbered in 1926. Known as "Simple Simons" or "Simons" (according to C&O Power) because they operated as simple-expansion articulateds, unlike the earlier compound Mallets. Specifics - 57" drivers, 215 psi boiler pressure, 23x32" cylinders, engine weight of 567,500 lb, impressive tractive effort of 108,547 lb. Sold to the RF&P as #2 in May 1943, it was a hump engine at Potomac Yard until retired in March 1949. from C.W. Jernstrom collection |