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New York Central 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! The New York Central steam locomotives were likewise characterized by a wide range of classes. In any event, the information here is most certainly not a complete, all-time listing of NYC's steam fleet and also is merely meant to list the general types of steam locomotives operated by the railroad.

Like its rival, Pennsylvania Railroad, entire libraries could be written on the New York Central System (the “System” was included to recognize the markets the railroad served and the number of railroads which comprised it) and its history ranging from its famous passenger trains (like the 20th Century Limited) and commuter operations to its fast, efficient, high-speed freight services. For history’s sake you cannot really speak of the New York Central System without also mentioning the PRR (and vice versa). It’s quite amazing how similar, outside of operations, both were. They were institutions, two of the largest railroads in the country, and the class of the industry for decades.

If more information on New York Central steam locomotives comes available I will very much include it here. Also, it should be noted that several NYC steamers remain preserved today.

Class B

The NYC's Class B designated its fleet of 0-6-0 switchers.

Class C

The NYC's Class C designated its fleet of 4-4-0 Americans.

Class F

The NYC's Class F designated its fleet of 4-6-0 Ten-Wheelers.

Class G

The NYC's Class G designated its fleet of 2-8-0 Consolidations.

Class H

The NYC's Class H denoted its fleet of over 600 2-8-2 Mikados ranging from Class H-1 to H-10.

Class I

The NYC's Class I designated its fleet of 4-4-2 Atlantics.

Class K

The NYC's Class K designated its fleet of over 1,000 4-6-2 Pacifics ranging from Class K-2 to K-14.

Class L

The NYC's Class L designated its fleet of over 500 4-8-2 Mountains ranging from Class L-1 to L-4.

Class J

The NYC's Class J was its fleet of 195 4-6-4 Hudsons, the locomotive that defined the railroad.

Class S

The NYC's Class S designated its fleet of 4-8-4 Niagaras (more commonly known as the Northern).

For much more information about New York Central steam locomotives please click here.

For more reading on the NYC you might want to consider the book New York Central Railroad from Brian Solomon and Mike Schafer. While the book is just a brief history on the railroad it is very well done and will at least give you a general overview and history of the Central (and it is filled with many, excellent, historical and colorful photographs) at which point you can decide if you are interested in further books of study on the railroad (there are hundreds out there!). Even if you are a historian and/or fan of the NYC and have not seen this book I'm sure you will enjoy it!

Also 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. 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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