RP&P N-2 Class 2-6-6-0 Mallet #850

Description

#850 was a one-off compound mallet built by the Lima Locomotive Works in 1918. Influenced by Alco’s 2-6-6-0 Class 76’s built in 1913 for the Denver & Salt Lake Railroad in Colorado, #850 was specifically designed to be a smaller branch line variation utilized in the east coast coal mining regions. The idea was that a smaller wheelbase and lighter axle load would permit the engine to navigate even tighter turns and operate on lighter rail. #850 operated at 225psi, sat on 50″ drivers, and produced 70,000 lbs of tractive effort. Her tender held 18 tons of coal and 8500 gallons of water. She was happiest and most efficient running 15-20mph, but was capable of reaching speeds exceeding 30mph on more level trackage.

However it was found that the existing large 2-8-0’s of the time were already capable of pulling 70-80% of what #850 was, and being a compound mallet made #850 a more labor intense locomotive to maintain. Twice the engine without anywhere near twice the power output. By March of 1919, #850 found herself without an owner and destined to be scrapped, having been deemed unsuccessful.

At the same time, a new railroad was being formed in Richmond, VA, which intended to reach the coal regions of Peabody and Parker. Seeing a need for new power, the newly formed RP&P took interest and tested #850, finding that the mallet performed well on their line; having no issues with their curves, grades and general infrastructure. The RP&P purchased #850, and she was immediately placed into fulltime service.

By 1950, the costs of operating the complicated mallet had caught up to the RP&P, and #850 was sidelined by newer diesels. She was officially retired in 1951, and was placed on display at the railroad’s Richmond Station. In 1985, a major effort was undertaken to relocate the Richmond Station due to constant flooding. This resulted in #850 being relocated as well. The move proved more difficult than anticipated, see #850 derailed twice, and a 3rd was narrowly avoided. It was decided to remove the pilot wheel, and the engine was towed to the Richmond Engine Shops to receive a cosmetic restoration.

While being overhauled, new management assumed control of the RP&P. Being a fan of steam, the new CEO approved the costs for a feasibility study to determine if #850 was financially worthy of being restored to operation. The results showed that the engine was in-fact capable of being restored, but the costs were significantly higher than expected. A number of fundraisers were held, and after 2 years, restoration work finally began to bring #850 back to life. In 1993 after 6 solid years of work, #850 ran on her RP&P home rails for the first time in 43 years. She has remained in operation ever since and is used periodically each month for revenue freight and special events.

Tonnage rating on Coal Country 2.0:
1100 tons from Parker to Richmond via Peabody on the original mainline with 2.5% grade.
1500 tons from Parker to Richmond via Clackline, Lefroy and Burning Fork on the newly added line.

#850 was built using:

Boiler, smokebox, firebox and domes from the Frisco USRA1 Mikado – The boiler, smokebox and firebox were rebuilt.
Cab interior and exterior from P&B Pacific #1086 – The cab roof was re-arched, windows squared off, and interior painted green.
Drivers, frame and rear cylinders from A&A Consolidation #18 – The wheels were rebuilt and running gear reanimated.
Bell from H&W F1a Consolidation – The bell, bell saddle, and cord were all rebuilt and reanimated.
Pilot wheel from N&W M Class Mastodon.
Tender from R&N Pacific #425 – Slope sheet and headlight were replaced. Added a footboard pilot.

Various parts such as the compressors, headlight, whistle, safety valves, lubricators and reverser were all taken from various K&L engines, most of which ended up being rebuilt using the originals at templates. All new piping, reverse linkage, cab curtains, footboard pilot, low pressure cylinders and many other smaller details were built. New textures have been applied as well.

After 13 years, class lights have finally been added. They’re primitive at the moment, but will evolve with future releases. And lastly the old reflective wheel tire faces have finally been retired.

K&L’s first true Frankenstein Kitbash. Hope you enjoy it!

#850 was built to be run in tandem with:
Coal Country 2.0 available at: www.JointedRail.com

RP&P N-2 Class Mallet #850 set includes (1) Engine, (1) Tender

Product Installation

Payware Policy

All presented content from this website is property of K&L Trainz. No distribution or hosting of content is permitted of any payware assets purchased from K&L Trainz. Modifications are permitted for personal use only!

Refund Policy

All sales are final! K&L Trainz is not responsible for any misappropriated funds. No refunds will be issued for any product purchased once a download is initiated.