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Erie Railroad Steam Locomotives

The classifications given by railroads to their steam locomotive fleets were as varied as the machines themselves with several different designations within a particular class! As for the Erie Railroad steam locomotives they were classed from B to S from little 0-6-0 switchers to the massive, and rare, 2-8-8-8-2 Triplex. In any event, the information here is merely meant to list the general types of steam locomotives operated by the Erie and does not go into detail about their specific differences.

The Erie Railroad rostered many large wheel arrangements from Berkshires (2-8-4) to Santa Fes (2-10-2). However, perhaps the railroad is best remembered for its massive experimental steamers including the very rare aforementioned 2-8-8-8-2 Triplex and the unique 2-6-8-0 design (of which was home-built and the Erie only owned one). Today, none of the railroad's largest steamers are known to exist and sadly, none at all are known to be preserved.

Class B

The Erie's Class B denoted its fleet of 0-6-0 switchers ranging from Class B-1 to B-6.

Class C

The Erie's Class C denoted its fleet of 0-8-0 switchers ranging from Class C-1 to C-4.

Class E

The Erie's Class E denoted its fleet of 4-4-2 Atlantics ranging from Class E-1 to E-5.

Class G

The Erie's Class G designated its roster of 4-6-0 Ten-Wheelers and included Class G-12 through G-15.

Class H

The Erie's Class H denoted its fleet of 2-8-0 Consolidations and included Class H-9 to H-27.

Class J-2

The Erie's Class J-2 designated its fleet of 75 2-10-0 Decapods.

Class K

The Erie's Class K designated its large fleet of 4-6-2 Pacifics ranging from Class K-1 to K-5-B.

Class L-1

The Erie's Class L-1 designated its only three 0-8-8-0 articulateds.

Class M-1

The Erie's Class M-1 was the unique 2-6-8-0 articulated design.

Class N

The Erie's Class N designated its roster of 2-8-2 Mikados ranging from Class N-1 to N-3-A.

Class P-1

The Erie's Class P-1 was the three massive 2-8-8-8-2 Triplex models.

Class R

The Erie's Class R denoted its fleet of 2-10-2 Santa Fes ranging from Class R-1 to R-3.

Class S

The Erie's Class S denoted its fleet of 2-8-4 Berkshires and included Class S-1 to S-4.

For much more about Erie Railroad steam locomotives please click here to visit the Erie Lackawanna Historical Society's website.

For more reading about steam locomotives like those operated by the Erie consider Perfecting the American Steam Locomotive by author J. Parker Lamb. As the name implies the book details the earliest history of steam engine technology, even before it was used in railroad applications. His book later explores the development of steam locomotive technology in the United States from the 19th through the 20th centuries, covering not only the most popular steam locomotive designs but also the most successful manufactures to build them. The book has received excellent reviews and is a great resource on steam locomotives and a fine reference tool; you should find it very useful.

Also, consider the book American Steam Locomotives from author Brian Solomon. While this publication does not include quite as much technical data as Lamb's book, Perfecting the American Steam Locomotive, it is still a very good resource with lots of information and best of all, is loaded with photographs! If you're interested in perhaps purchasing either (or both) of these books please visit the links below which will take you to ordering information through Amazon.com, the trusted online shopping network.

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