Building a brand new T1 Class PRR 4-4-4-4 Steam Locomotive

Wikipedia advises that:

“The Pennsylvania Railroad's 52 T1 class duplex-drive 4-4-4-4 steam locomotives, introduced in 1942 (2 prototypes) and 1945-1946 (50 produced), were their last steam locomotives built and their most controversial. They were ambitious, technologically sophisticated, powerful, fast, and distinctively streamlined by Raymond Loewy.”

The last of the T1’s were scrapped around 1956. None were preserved. 

Wikipedia further advises that:

“A non-profit group known as the T1 Locomotive Trust plans to build an all-new, fully operational T1 using the original plans but incorporating design and performance improvements where necessary. Their main goal is to have it beat the world speed record held by the LNER Class A4 4468 Mallard at 126 mph. The alleged speeds of over 140–150 miles an hour give them hope of beating it. They estimate the cost to be $10 to $20 million and that it would take up to 20 years to see completed.”

Recently the T1 Locomotive Trust produced their first major component of their new T1, an engine driver casting as shown in the images below.

More about their ambitious venture can be found at their website. The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section is particularly  interesting reading.  It goes into depth on their thinking behind the project and a number of technical issues that must be tackled.

Posting by Russ Milland

 
Click on each image for a closer look and the 4 minute video to watch a T1 in action!