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The Pennsylvania Railroad's class L2s[1] was a class of USRA Light Mikados originally purchased (1919) for the subsidiary Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad. Similar in size to the home-designed and built L1s[2]^{[circular reference]}, the L2s was easily distinguishable by their radial-stay fireboxes and Hodges fabricated trailing trucks. They were built by ALCO . All were retired in 1948

L2s class
Type and origin Power type Steam Build date 1919 Total produced 33
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 2-8-2 Gauge 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Career Operators Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad, Pennsylvania Railroad Class L2s Numbers 20006-20038 (PRR)

History

After World War I, the Pennsylvania Railroad needed a lighter 2-8-2 type steam locomotive to handle lighter freight trains on the system. In 1919, 38 locomotives ( GR&I 106-112 and PRR 20006-20038) were purchased while the railroad was under USRA control. Alco, Baldwin, and Lima filled the order. Most were sold in 1923 ( 20006-20038 ) to the SLSF ( Frisco) and MP ( Missouri Pacific) . 5 were retained to run on the Grand Rapids & Indiana and renumbered in 1921 to PRR 9627-9631. All 5 locomotives 9627 to 9631 remaining with the Pennsy were photographed at some stage, most in the 1930s.[3]

Retirement

The 5 locos remained in service through WWII, until being replaced and dropped from the roster between March and November 1948.[4] Frisco 4018 ( former PRR 20030 ) is displayed at Birmingham, Al.

Train model

LGB produced a USRA Light Mikado from 2001-2004 in G scale in multiple fallen flag railroad names including product number 21872, Pennsylvania Railroad No. 2809. In HO scale, Märklin produced both a 2 rail version (TRIX brand)[5] in 2004 (product ID 22804) and a 3-rail version (product ID 37976)[6] in 2011. Both of these faithfully replicate the Pennsylvania lettering and paint scheme of the inter-war years.

References

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