Central Vermont 220 facts for kids
Central Vermont No. 220 is a special steam train that you can see at the Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, Vermont. It's kept safe inside a building so everyone can learn about its history.
Quick facts for kids Central Vermont 220 |
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| No. 220 on static display | |
| Power type | Steam |
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| Builder | American Locomotive Company |
| Serial number | 55018 |
| Build date | February 1915 |
| Configuration | 4-6-0 |
| UIC classification | 2’C |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Driver diameter | 69 in (1,800 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 58.79 ft (17.92 m) |
| Weight on drivers | 141,000 lb (64,000 kg) |
| Locomotive weight | 189,000 lb (86,000 kg) |
| Tender weight | 139,000 lb (63,000 kg) |
| Locomotive and tender combined weight | 328,000 lb (149,000 kg) |
| Fuel type | Coal |
| Fuel capacity | 12 short tons (10.9 tonnes) |
| Water capacity | 7,000 US gal (26,000 L; 5,800 imp gal) |
| Boiler pressure | 200 psi (1,400 kPa) |
| Fire grate area | 53.40 sq ft (4.961 m2) |
| Heating surface: Firebox | 184 sq ft (17.1 m2) |
| Cylinders | Two, outside |
| Cylinder size | 20 in × 28 in (510 mm × 710 mm) |
| Tractive effort | 27,594 lb (12,516 kg) |
| Factor of adhesion | 5.11 |
| Power class | I-7-a |
| Number in class | 3 of 4 |
| Retired | 1955 |
| Current owner | Shelburne Museum |
| Disposition | On static display, based in Shelburne, Vermont |
Contents
History of No. 220
Building a Steam Engine
In 1915, a company called the American Locomotive Company built No. 220. This company was located in Schenectady, New York. No. 220 was the last steam engine of its kind used by the Central Vermont Railway. It ran on coal to create steam.
What No. 220 Could Do
No. 220 was a "ten-wheeler" steam engine. This means it had four small wheels in the front, six large driving wheels in the middle, and no wheels at the back. Because of its design, No. 220 was very useful. It could pull both heavy freight trains and passenger trains.
The "Locomotive of the Presidents"
This special train became famous as the "Locomotive of the Presidents." It earned this nickname because it carried several United States presidents. These included Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Steam Power Through the Years
Steam engines were the main type of train in the United States for a long time. They were the only kind until electric trains started appearing in 1895. Even then, steam trains were still very common. They continued to be widely used until the 1950s. That's when diesel trains became more popular.
What "28%" Means
If you look closely at the coal tender, you might see the number "28%". This number shows how powerful the engine was. It meant the train could pull or lift up to 28,000 pounds of weight. That's like pulling many cars!
No. 220's Retirement
The Central Vermont Railway stopped using No. 220 in 1955. After its long service, the train was given to the Shelburne Museum. The museum wanted to keep it safe for future generations to see. Soon after, the museum built a special shed around the locomotive. This shed protects No. 220 and a private rail car called Grand Isle from bad weather.
See also
