| This massive 2-8-8-2 "Chesapeake-type" locomoitve was an undeniable power asset for the C&O. Author Alexander (American Locomotives, 1950) notes that H7 pulled 9,500-ton trains over 113-mile run from Russell, Kentucky to Columbus, Ohio in 5 hours. Averaged 4,400 miles per month until displaced by the 2-10-4s in Ohio and the 2-6-6-6 Alleghenies in the rest of the territory. 30 of the fifty were later leased to the Union Pacific. Specs - class H-7, bldr #59055, 57" drivers, 215 psi boiler pressure, 23x32" cylinder. According to the C&O Historical Society, the engine weight was 572,330 lb and the tractive effort was 108,550 lb.No date or location given for this photo. Heier Industrial photo credit |