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Silly question

Started by darthraven, December 19, 2011, 10:04:49 PM

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darthraven

I am going to ask what I am sure is a silly question but I can't seem to find the answer.

What do the numbers stand for IE: 2-10-4  I assume it has something to do with the cars but am unsure.

JerryB

Not a silly question at all.

This is the Whyte Classification system. It is used as a shorthand that describes the wheel arrangements of American steam locomotives.

Using the 2-10-4 example in your question, the locomotive would have a leading truck with a single axle with two wheels, five driving axles with a total of ten wheels, and a two axle trailing truck with four wheels.

For a complete explanation (with examples), see:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whyte notation

Happy RRing,

Jerry
Sequoia Pacific RR in 1:20 / 70.6mm
Boonville Light & Power Co. in 1:20 / 45mm
Navarro Engineering & Construction Co. in 1:20 / 32mm
NMRA Life Member #3370
Member: Bay Area Electric Railway Association
Member: Society for the Preservation of Carter Railroad Resources

darthraven

Thank you this was very helpful.

Doneldon

Quote from: darthraven on December 20, 2011, 05:48:02 PM
Thank you this was very helpful.

No it wasn't! I thought 2-10-4 was my social security number,

Jerrys HO

D-

I never thought I would see the day train makers would stoop as low as they did stealing peoples identity, and all the way back to your year. That's almost grave robbing. :D ;D

Jerry