Heading West

About the Author

— Joe Goodrich

About the Locomotive Class

2-6-6-2

A 2-6-6-2 locomotive is a type of steam locomotive that features a wheel arrangement of 2 leading wheels, 6 driving wheels, 6 more driving wheels, and 2 trailing wheels. This wheel arrangement is known as a Mallet locomotive, and it is used to provide increased tractive effort for heavy freight trains. The 2-6-6-2 locomotive was primarily used in the United States, and it was particularly popular for mountainous railroads. One of the key advantages of the 2-6-6-2 locomotive is its high tractive effort, which allows it to haul heavy loads up steep grades and over difficult terrain. The locomotive's large driving wheels also help to distribute the weight of the engine more evenly, which can help to prevent damage to the tracks. The 2-6-6-2 locomotive was first introduced in the early 20th century, and it was produced by a number of different manufacturers. Some of the most well-known manufacturers of 2-6-6-2 locomotives include Baldwin and Alco. Despite the advent of diesel and electric locomotives, 2-6-6-2 locomotives remained in service well into the 1950s. One such locomotive, Chesapeake and Ohio 1309 was extensively restored to operating condition on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad in Cumberland, MD.

Photo Blurb

WMSR 1309 is a class 2-6-6-2 and is pictured in Cumberland , Maryland, USA. This was taken along the Allegheny on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. Photo Copyright: Joe Goodrich uploaded to Railroad Gallery on 11/12/2022. This photograph of WMSR 1309 was taken on Sunday, November 06, 2022. All Rights Reserved.