Great Northern H-5 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Great Northern H-5 class |
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The Great Northern H-5 was a special type of steam locomotive. There were 25 of these powerful engines. They were first built in 1909 as "Ten Wheelers" (a type of locomotive called 4-6-0). Later, they were rebuilt into "Pacific" type locomotives (called 4-6-2).
These amazing machines were built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works and used by the Great Northern Railway. They helped move people across the country until the mid-1950s.
The H-5 locomotives were famous for pulling important passenger trains. These included the Empire Builder and the Oriental Limited.
Today, only one H-5 locomotive is left. It is No. 1355. This special train was retired in July 1955. You can see it on display at the Milwaukee Road shops in Sioux City, Iowa.
Contents
How the H-5 Locomotives Were Used
The H-5 locomotives started their lives in 1909 as E-14 "Ten Wheelers." But between 1921 and 1928, they got a big makeover! They were rebuilt into the H-5 "Pacific" type locomotives we know.
After their rebuild, these engines mostly pulled passenger trains. They were key to famous routes like the Empire Builder and the Oriental Limited.
Changes and Upgrades
The first ten H-5 locomotives were first numbered 1486–1495. Then, they were renumbered to 1350–1359. They also changed from using coal to using oil for fuel. Some of them even got special "boosters." These boosters made the locomotives much stronger, adding about 11,000 lbf (48.93 kN) of pulling power.
Sadly, one H-5 locomotive was retired early. It was involved in a serious accident in July 1941 and was taken apart in October of that year.
Later Years and Retirement
Later in their working lives, the H-5s also helped move goods. They even hauled heavy iron ore on the Mesabi Range.
As newer, diesel-powered trains became popular, the H-5 steam locomotives began to retire. The first one was retired in September 1950. By August 1955, all the H-5s had finished their service.
The Last Surviving H-5 Locomotive
Only one Great Northern H-5 locomotive has been saved! This special engine is No. 1355. It was retired in July 1955.
You can visit No. 1355 today. It is on display at the Milwaukee Road shops in Sioux City, Iowa.
A Historic Treasure
In 2004, No. 1355 was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as a very important part of history. Its official name on the register is Great Northern Railway Steam Locomotive No. 1355 and Tender 1451.
It is also the only surviving "Pacific" type steam locomotive from the Great Northern Railway. This makes No. 1355 a truly unique and important piece of railroad history!
