Nickel Plate Road 779 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nickel Plate Road 779 |
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| NKP 779 pictured at Lincoln Park in Lima, Ohio | |
| Power type | Steam |
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| Builder | Lima Locomotive Works |
| Serial number | 9380 |
| Build date | May 13, 1949 |
| Configuration | 2-8-4 |
| UIC classification | 1'D2'h |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge |
| Leading wheel diameter | 36 in (0.914 m) |
| Driver diameter | 69 in (1.753 m) |
| Trailing wheel diameter | 43 in (1.092 m) |
| Length | 100 ft 8+3⁄4 in (30.70 m) |
| Height | 15 ft 8 in (4.78 m) |
| Weight on drivers | 264,300 lb (119,900 kg; 119.9 t) |
| Locomotive weight | 440,800 lb (199,900 kg; 199.9 t) |
| Locomotive and tender combined weight | 802,500 lb (364,000 kg; 364.0 t) |
| Fuel type | Coal |
| Fuel capacity | 44,000 lb (20,000 kg; 20 t) 22 short tons (20.0 t; 19.6 long tons) |
| Water capacity | 22,000 US gal (83,000 L; 18,000 imp gal) |
| Boiler | 89.0625 in (2.26 m) diameter × 42 ft (12.80 m) length |
| Boiler pressure | 245 psi (1.69 MPa) |
| Superheater type | Elesco |
| Cylinders | Two |
| Cylinder size | 25 in × 34 in (635 mm × 864 mm) |
| Tractive effort | 64,135 lbf (285.3 kN) |
| Factor of adhesion | 4.12 |
| Number in class | 80 (Entire 2-8-4 fleet on the Nickel Plate Road). Lima built 10 of these S-3s for the NKP. |
| Nicknames | "The Last S-3", "NKP's Last Steam Engine", "Last Berkshire" and "Lincoln Park's Locomotive" |
| First run | 1949 |
| Last run | 1958 |
| Retired | 1958 |
| Preserved | 1966 |
| Current owner | City of Lima, Ohio |
| Disposition | Static Display in Lincoln Park, Lima, Ohio |
Nickel Plate Road 779 was a powerful steam locomotive known as a "Berkshire" type. It was built in May 1949 for the New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad. This amazing engine was designed to pull fast freight trains.
What makes NKP 779 special? It was the very last new steam locomotive delivered to the Nickel Plate Road. It was also the final steam engine ever built by the famous Lima Locomotive Works in Ohio. Plus, it was the last "Berkshire" type locomotive of its kind ever made for standard railway tracks anywhere in the world!
Meet the Nickel Plate Road 779
The Nickel Plate Road 779 is a special kind of steam locomotive. It's called a "Berkshire" type. This name comes from its unique wheel arrangement: two small wheels at the front, eight large driving wheels in the middle, and four smaller wheels at the back. This setup (2-8-4) made it very stable and powerful.
This locomotive was built to haul "fast freight." This means it pulled long trains filled with goods quickly across the country. Imagine how important these trains were for moving everything from food to cars!
A Powerful Giant
The Nickel Plate Road 779 was a true giant of the rails. It weighed over 800,000 pounds when connected to its tender (the car carrying coal and water). Its huge driving wheels were 69 inches (about 1.75 meters) tall. This helped it reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour (about 113 km/h).
The engine was powered by burning coal to heat water into steam. This steam then pushed giant pistons, which turned the wheels. It could pull an incredible amount of weight, thanks to its strong design.
The Last of Its Kind
Built in 1949, NKP 779 was one of the very last steam locomotives made in the United States. By this time, newer diesel engines were becoming popular. These diesels were easier to maintain and didn't need as much fuel or water.
Because of this, the Nickel Plate Road 779 only worked for a few years. It ran from 1949 until early 1958. During its short working life, it traveled an impressive 677,095 miles. That's like going around the Earth almost 27 times!
A New Home in Lima
After its working days were over, many steam locomotives were scrapped. But not NKP 779! In 1966, it was given to the City of Lima, Ohio. This was a special gift because the locomotive was built right there in Lima by the Lima Locomotive Works.
Today, you can visit Nickel Plate Road 779 in Lincoln Park in Lima, Ohio. It's on display for everyone to see. It stands as a reminder of a time when powerful steam engines ruled the railways. It's a piece of history you can still see up close!
