This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Insomniac186 (talk | contribs) at 06:13, 13 March 2006. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 06:13, 13 March 2006 by Insomniac186 (talk | contribs)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Southern Pacific 2472 was built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1921. It is a 4-6-2 Pacific type, having 4 leading wheels, 6 drivers, and 2 trailing wheels. Pacifics such as the #2472 where designed primarily for high-speed passenger train service where sustained high speeds were just as important as pulling capability. Pacifics were used on railroads around the world and could be seen in the rosters of a great many American railroads. Southern Pacific classed the 2472 as a P-8, along with 14 sister engines built from the same Baldwin order.
SP 2472's first assignments were passenger trains on the Overland Route between Ogden, Utah and Oakland, California. Crews appreciated the smooth ride afforded by the engines of its class. Overland Route runs used the same engine without change for 500 miles. When larger and more powerful Mountain type engines (4-8-2) replaced Pacifics on long runs, the Pacifics were relegated to locals and commute service, particularly the San Francisco - San Jose, California run. This is where many remember seeing the #2472 performing its daily chores.
SP 2472 served for almost 36 years on the Southern Pacific. The end came in 1957 when diesel locomotives had replaced almost all steam engines on the SP. Fortunately, 2472 was saved from the scrapper's torch and was put on display in San Mateo's County Fairgrounds. It sat there until 1976 when the a group of determined volunteers decided to restore it.
SP 2472 pulled many special trains in the 1990's and early 2000's, including a run where it doubleheaded with famed locomotive Southern Pacific 4449, and pulled Caltrain specials such as the "Trains for Tots."
Currently, the restored SP 2472 is undergoing an overhaul and will available for excursions again soon. It is currently located at the Hunters Point Naval base in San Francisco, at the former site of the Golden Gate Railroad Museum. It will soon be moved to the old SP 7th Street diesel shops near Caltrain's San Francisco train station.
Southern Pacific 2472 is one of three surviving SP 4-6-2's.
References
 | This article has not been added to any content categories. Please help out by adding categories to it so that it can be listed with similar articles. |