This will be my one and only response to the childish attacks by PRSL.
Concerning the NYC Niagaras, there were three classes;
S-1a - #6000
S-1b - #6001 to 6027
S-2a - #5500
Number 6000 was built in 1945 with 75" drivers which were later replaced with 79" drives as all the S-1b's were so equiped. These locomotives were all built between 1945 and 46. All 27 locomotives had a traction effort of 61,570 lbs.
In Nov 1946, Paul Kiefer, the motive power boss, had Alco build #5500 with Franklin Poppet Valves and began testing her. In the middle of the testing, the Central management put a stop to the testing as their mind set was by then on diesels and 5500 was a painfull thorn in their side and Mr. Kiefer was forbidden to publish the test results. She was even scrapped before any of the other Niagaras.
Quoting from Arnold Haas's book "Memories of New York Central Steam"
"The poppet valve Super Niagara number 5500 which according to very conservative estimates could develope more than 7500 HP in her cylinders surpassed even the thermal efficiency of the famous French compound, besides being by far the most powerful 4-8-4 in the United States and the World" So tell me what single diesel of that period could match this?
Now I do not proclaim to be an expert like yourself, but I have been studying steam locomotives since the late 1950's, so when I make a statement on this list, it is with the knowledge and information that I have gathered over all these years.
Oh and by the way, the two Colorado locomotives that went to Vermont weren't C&S loco's, but were D.S.P.& P. loco's #52 and 57. These South Park engines didn't go to the Hoosac Tunnel & Wilmington RR, but to the Deerfield River RR which ran north out of Mountain Mills, VT.
I apologize to the readership of this list for having to read these childish attacks on me by PRSL which have resulted from a request for information on the HT&W, which PRSL not only refused to help with info for the book I am writing, but processed to tell me how to write my book.
So now you know how I can make the statement that the Niagara could have given deisels a run for their money. And the next time you decide to attack me, at lest have enough backbone to use a name.
