|
 Jersey Central Railroad Steam LocomotivesThe classifications given by railroads to their steam locomotive fleets were as varied as the machines themselves with several different designations within a particular class! The Jersey Central Railroad steam locomotives were likewise scattered among a wide range of classes. In any event, the information here is merely meant to list the general types of steam locomotives operated by the CNJ and does not go into detail about their specific differences.
CNJ's Class A1 denoted a single 0-4-0T switcher (after 1945 the unit was redesignated as Class 4S22). CNJ's Class B designated its fleet of 0-6-0 switchers that ranged from Class B1 to Class B6a (after 1945 the switchers were redesignated as Class 6S). CNJ's Class C designated its fleet of 2-6-0 Moguls that ranged from Class C1 to Class C3. CNJ's Class D designated its fleet of 4-4-0 Americans that ranged from Class D1 to Class D9. CNJ's Class E designated its fleet of 0-8-0 switchers that ranged from Class E1 to E4sa (after 1945 the switchers were redesignated as Class 8S).
CNJ's Class G designated its fleet of 4-6-2 Pacifics that ranged from Class G1s to Class G3s (after 1945 the Pacifics were redesignated Class P). CNJ's Class H1s designated its fleet of 4-6-4Ts, of which the railroad owned six models (after 1945 these units were redesignated as Class SU31). CNJ's Class I designated its fleet of 2-8-0 Consolidations that ranged from Class I1 to Class I5 (after 1945 some of the Consolidations were redesignated as Class C44). CNJ's Class J1 designated its fleet of 2-6-2Ts, of which the railroad owned 25 units (after 1945 these units were redesignated as Class SU23). CNJ's Class K1 designated its fleet of rare 4-8-0 "Twelve-Wheelers", of which the railroad owned 51 units (after 1945 the Twelve-Wheelers were redesignated as Class TW40). CNJ's Class L designated its fleet of 4-6-0 Ten-Wheelers that ranged from Class Lx to Class L8s (after 1945 some were redesignated as Class T). CNJ's Class M designated its fleet of 2-8-2 Mikados that ranged from Class M1s to Class M3as (after 1945 the Mikados were redesignated but still under the M Class). CNJ's Class P designated its fleet of 4-4-2 Atlantics that ranged from Class P1 to Class P8 (after 1945 some were redesignated as Class A).
For more on the types of steam locomotives the CNJ operated 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.
|
