Chesapeake and Ohio 1308 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chesapeake & Ohio 1308 |
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| [[Image:C&O 1308.jpg | alt=]] | |
| Front and right side | ||
| Power type | Steam | |
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| References | ||
| Builder | Baldwin Locomotive Works | |
| Order number | 48001 | |
| Build date | 1949 | |
| Total production | 9 | |
| Configuration | 2-6-6-2 | |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) | |
| Driver diameter | 56 in (1,422 mm) | |
| Wheelbase | 48.8 ft (14.87 m) | |
| Length | 99.7 ft (30.39 m) | |
| Weight on drivers | 366,700 lb (166,332 kg) | |
| Locomotive weight | 434,900 lb (197,267 kg) | |
| Tender weight | 208,200 lb (94,438 kg) | |
| Locomotive and tender combined weight | 643,100 lb (291,705 kg) | |
| Tender type | 12-RC | |
| Fuel type | Soft coal | |
| Water capacity | 12,000 US gal (45,425 L; 9,992 imp gal) | |
| Tender capacity | 16 short tons (15 t) | |
| Boiler | 96 in (2,438 mm) | |
| Boiler pressure | 210 psi (1.45 MPa) | |
| Feedwater heater | none | |
| Fire grate area | 72 sq ft (6.7 m2) | |
| Heating surface: Total | 4,830 sq ft (449 m2) | |
| Superheater type | Type A | |
| Superheater area | 991 sq ft (92.1 m2) | |
| Cylinders | Four, compound: LP front, HP rear | |
| High-pressure cylinder size |
22 in × 32 in (559 mm × 813 mm) | |
| Low-pressure cylinder size |
35 in × 32 in (889 mm × 813 mm) | |
| Valve gear | Walschaerts | |
| Tractive effort | 98,700 lbf (439.04 kN) | |
| Factor of adhesion | 4.66 | |
| Locomotive brakes | Air | |
| Train brakes | Air | |
| Last run | February 29, 1956 | |
| Retired | 1956 | |
| Current owner | Collis P. Huntington Railroad Historical Society, Inc. | |
| Disposition | On static display, based in Huntington, West Virginia | |
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Chesapeake and Ohio 1308 Steam Locomotive
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 Location in West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1401 Memorial blvd., Huntington, West Virginia | |
| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) | |
| Built | 1949 | |
| Architect | Baldwin Locomotive Works | |
| Architectural style | H-6 Locomotive | |
| NRHP reference No. | 02001571 | |
| Added to NRHP | January 31, 2003 | |
The Chesapeake & Ohio Railway No. 1308 is a special type of steam locomotive called a "Mallet". It was built in 1949 by Baldwin Locomotive Works. This powerful engine is known for its unique design and important role in railroad history.
No. 1308 was one of the very last large mainline locomotives built by Baldwin. This company had been making trains for over 100 years! Its sister engine, No. 1309, is still running today at the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.
Contents
What is a Mallet Locomotive?
A Mallet locomotive is a type of articulated steam engine. "Articulated" means it has parts that can move separately. This helps the train go around tight curves. The 1308 is a 2-6-6-2 type, which describes its wheel arrangement.
How Mallets Work
What makes the 1308 a "true Mallet" is how it uses steam. Most steam engines use steam once. But Mallets use steam twice!
- First, steam goes into smaller cylinders at the back of the engine.
- Then, the used steam goes into larger cylinders at the front.
This "compound" system makes the engine more efficient. It uses less fuel to do the same amount of work. Even though they were more complex, the C&O railway found them perfect for their needs.
Where Did the 1308 Work?
The Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) railway started using Mallet locomotives like the 1308 way back in 1911. These trains were perfect for the tough, curvy tracks in the coal mining areas of West Virginia and Kentucky.
Hauling Coal in the Mountains
The 1308 worked for seven years, mostly hauling coal. It often made a two-hour trip from Peach Creek, West Virginia, to the Ohio River at Russell, Kentucky. Sometimes, it also traveled to Hinton, West Virginia. Because it worked in mountains, it needed strong brakes. It had two special air compressors to make sure it had enough air for frequent, heavy braking.
The 1308 Today
The 1308 made its last trip on February 29, 1956. After that, it was stored for a while. Later, the C&O railway gave it to the Collis P. Huntington Railroad Historical Society, Inc. This group was started in 1959.
Named for a Railroad Pioneer
The town where the 1308 is now displayed, Huntington, West Virginia, is named after Collis P. Huntington. He was a very important person in railroad history. He helped build the Central Pacific Railroad across the country. He also played a big role in the C&O railway.
A Historic Landmark
In 2003, the Chesapeake and Ohio 1308 Steam Locomotive was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important part of history and is protected. You can visit it today in Huntington, West Virginia, where it is on display.
