Pennsylvania Railroad 3750 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids PRR 3750 |
|
 |
|
| PRR No. 3750 on static display at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania | |
| Power type | Steam |
|---|---|
| Builder | Altoona Works |
| Build date | 1918 |
| Configuration | 4-6-2 |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Leading wheel diameter | 36 in (914 mm) |
| Driver diameter | 80 in (2,032 mm) |
| Trailing wheel diameter | 50 in (1,270 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 13 ft 10 in (4.2 m) between driving axles |
| Length | 83 ft 6 in (25.5 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 274,500 lb (124,511 kg) |
| Fuel type | Coal |
| Boiler pressure | 205 psi (1,413 kPa) |
| Fire grate area | 70 sq ft (7 m2) |
| Cylinder size | 27 in × 28 in (686 mm × 711 mm) |
| Tractive effort | 44,460 lbf (197,767.9 N) |
| Factor of adhesion | 4.54 |
| Retired | 1956 |
| Current owner | Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission |
| Disposition | On outdoor static display at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania outside Strasburg, Pennsylvania |
| Official name: Passenger Locomotive No. 1737 | |
| Designated: | December 17, 1979 |
| Part of: | Pennsylvania Railroad Rolling Stock Thematic Resource |
| Reference #: | 79002273 |
PRR 3750 is a famous steam locomotive from the Pennsylvania Railroad. It is a "Pacific" type engine, which means it has a special wheel arrangement of 4-6-2. This powerful locomotive is now on display at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania near Strasburg, in the United States.
For many years, PRR 3750 was used in place of an older, original K4s locomotive, number 1737. It was even listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. PRR 3750 is one of only two K4s locomotives still existing today. In 1987, the Pennsylvania General Assembly officially named it and PRR 1361 as the state's official steam locomotives.
Contents
The Story of PRR 3750
PRR 3750 was built in 1918 and was a very important engine for the Pennsylvania Railroad. It was used to pull some of the railroad's most important passenger trains, like the famous Broadway Limited, on their main routes.
Even though the railroad tried to replace the K4s locomotives with newer models, these strong engines kept working for a long time. They continued to operate until 1957, when diesel engines became the main type of locomotive.
Why PRR 3750 Was Saved
When the era of steam power ended, most railroads scrapped their old locomotives. However, the Pennsylvania Railroad wanted to save some examples of their best engines. The very first K4s locomotive, number 1737, was too old and damaged to be saved. So, the railroad decided to scrap 1737 and use 3750 as its replacement. PRR 3750 even received the original number plates and parts from 1737.
PRR 3750 also played a role in history. In 1921, it pulled the train for Warren G. Harding when he was campaigning to become President of the United States. Three years later, it was one of the locomotives that pulled President Harding's funeral train.
Moving to the Museum
In 1975, PRR 3750 was moved to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg, Pennsylvania. The entire collection of Pennsylvania Railroad engines faced a problem in the 1980s. The company that took over the PRR wanted to sell the locomotives for scrap metal to make money. Luckily, the Pennsylvania government stepped in. They made a deal to forgive some old taxes if the company gave the collection to the state. This saved PRR 3750 and many other historic trains.
On December 18, 1987, the Pennsylvania government officially named PRR 3750 and PRR 1361 as the state's official steam locomotives. In the same bill, they also named the GG1 4859 as the state's official electric locomotive.
Where to See PRR 3750 Today
As of 2019, PRR 3750 is on outdoor display at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg. Volunteers at the museum plan to clean and restore its appearance. They hope to move it into a planned roundhouse building in the future, where it will be protected from the weather.
