The Delaware & Hudson Railroad received its first 20 "Challengers" in 1940 from the American Locomotive Company with the delivery of twenty of the 4-6-6-4s. These locomotives were designated Class J and assigned road numbers 1500 through 1519. In 1943, fifteen more Class J "Challengers" arrived from ALCO and were given road numbers 1520 through 1534. In 1945 and 1946, the final five Class Js (road numbers 1535 through 1539) came from ALCO. All 40 of the D&H "Challengers" were scrapped in 1952 and 1953. The tender used with number 1508 did survive the scrapper and is now in Binghamton, NY.
The D&H Class J’s were considered by many observers to be the handsomest of the Challenger type. More important, it was this class that introduced flat bearing surfaces on the front boiler supports. This modification in how the front engine was allowed to move under the boiler was combined with a new limitation on how much was allowed in the articulation pin's vertical clearance. Now the front engine moved only as much as what its springs would allow. The payoff in productivity was especially noticeable where the track bed and alignment would allow it. The result was the most stable-riding articulated engine ever built and one that was safely operated at speeds up to 60 or 70 miles per hour. (Edited from steamlocomotive.com)
FEATURES:
Pristine C-9 Mint Condition with Excellent Original Box and Paperwork
