Advisory Mechanical Committee (AMC), A Van Sweringens' Group
Last revised: September 9, 2024
By: Adam Burns
The Advisory Mechanical Committee, or AMC for short, was the research and development arm of the Van Sweringen brothers' railroad properties.
These systems included four principal lines; the Chesapeake & Ohio, Erie, Pere Marquette, and Nickel Plate Road.
The committee was formed in the late 1920s soon after the brothers had taken control of the railroads and established standardization in Super Power steam designs among them.
While the Lima Locomotive Works produced several hundred of these locomotives by the 1940s the other majors builders also manufactured them as well.
Unfortunately, the AMC is not well known since few of their documents survive; a true shame considering the group helped produce some of the best late-era steam locomotives prior to the diesel age.
Oris Paxton (O.P.) Van Sweringen and Mantis James (M.J.) Van Sweringen were brothers and long-time corporate partners.
They went through several early business failures before entering the real estate industry around 1909. Soon after this latest venture they began developing what is now known as the community of Shaker Heights, Ohio, an eastern suburb of Cleveland.
The brothers felt that a high-speed, rapid-transit streetcar operation was essential for the project to ferry commuters to and from their places of work.
While this system was eventually established the Van Sweringens also wanted to get into the railroad business, purchasing control of the New York, Chicago & St. Louis in 1916, better known as the Nickel Plate Road.
More Reading...
Chesapeake & Ohio, "George Washington's Railroad"
Pere Marquette Railway, Michigan's Own Road
Erie Railroad, "Serving The Heart Of Industrial America"
The Berkshire (2-8-4) Locomotive Type
At the time the NKP was a subsidiary of New York Central and while the rundown property took a bit of time to rehabilitate the Van Sweringens looked to expand their interests in the industry.
By the 1920s they controlled the Erie Railroad, Chesapeake & Ohio, Pere Marquette, and Hocking Valley Railway (the latter two were eventually merged into the C&O).
While the brothers had no previous railroad experience prior to their Nickel Plate acquisition they did know how to run a successful business.
According to Thomas Dixon, Jr.'s book, "Chesapeake & Ohio K-4 Class 2-8-4 Steam Locomotives," they brought in experienced railroader John J. Bernet (former Vice President at New York Central) as adviser and operator who officially became president of the Nickel Plate and who oversaw its successful rehabilitation.
Under his direction a committee was established to oversee the mechanical operations of all the Van Sweringen properties.
This group, established in 1929 and known as the Advisory Mechanical Committee, would offer best practice recommendations and refine steam locomotive designs to best suit each railroad.
The AMC team was comprised of managers from each railroad's mechanical department and met at the Van Sweringen's headquarters in Cleveland.
While the group was tasked with generally implementing improvements it is believed they also held a great deal of power in ultimately deciding which new locomotives operated on a particular railroad.
Whether the AMC was also created as a direct result of the Super Power locomotive's birth is unknown (likely only a coincidence) but whatever the case the timing was just right.
In 1925 New York Central subsidiary Boston & Albany, in conjunction with the Lima Locomotive Works, began testing a new wheel arrangement, the 2-8-4.
While the locomotive was essentially a Mikado featuring a larger firebox and additional rear axle it proved vastly superior and led to a new design, the Berkshire.
The "Super Power" concept describes late steam era designs, beginning with the 2-8-4, which featured larger fireboxes and super-heaters.
The term has also been used to include new technologies being applied at the time such as roller-bearings, mechanical stokers, and outside valve gear.
The first Super Power locomotives used by a Van Sweringen line was the Class S 2-8-4s built for the Erie between 1927 and 1929.
While the AMC did not influence the refinement of these Berkshires they did base the Chesapeake & Ohio's Class T-1 2-10-4's from them. Mr. Dixon notes in his book the T-1's were the first examples built with AMC oversight (1929) and they proved incredibly successful on the C&O.
They typically saw service on the railroad's more rugged western territory often tasked with 160-car coal trains. In all, forty units arrived from Lima (#3000-3039) and the C&O liked them so well that most of their future Super Power locomotives came from the builder.
However, because AMC tended to standardize their designs so well any examples outshopped by the major builders (Baldwin, Lima, or the American Locomotive Company) were more or less identical.
The best known AMC design was the standardized 2-8-4 which found its way on all of the Van Sweringen properties.
However, there were also others including the C&O's Class J-3/a 4-8-4's, its Class L 4-6-4's, and the massive Class H-8 2-6-6-6 "Alleghenies."
During a 22-year period between 1927 and 1949 Lima manufactured 301 locomotives for the Van Sweringen interests, which Mr. Dixon points out comprised slightly less than half of all the Super Power designs the manufacturer ever produced.
While Lima was the smallest of the Big Three steam builders its locomotives are often considered some of the best ever built. Today, one example each of Nickel Plate's and Pere Marquette's 2-8-4's remain operational so it is still possible to see AMC's designs today.
Recent Articles
-
Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh Steam Roster (Post 1900)
Jun 02, 26 12:32 AM
The BR&P's steam locomotive roster evolved from modest 19th-century power to some of the heaviest articulated engines in the Northeast, reflecting the railroad’s growing tonnage demands and challengin… -
Virginia 'Dinner Train' Rides At Staunton
Jun 01, 26 12:11 PM
If you’ve ever wished you could pair a classic scenic train ride with a genuinely satisfying meal—served at your table while the countryside rolls by—the Virginia Scenic Railway was built for you. -
Oregon 'Dinner Train' Rides At Hood River
Jun 01, 26 12:06 PM
The Mt. Hood Railroad is the moving part of that postcard—a century-old short line that began as a working railroad. -
Maryland 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
Jun 01, 26 11:58 AM
This article delves into the enchanting world of wine tasting train experiences in Maryland, providing a detailed exploration of their offerings, history, and allure. -
Indiana 'Whiskey Tasting' Train Rides
Jun 01, 26 11:50 AM
Among IRE’s most talked-about offerings is the Wine & Whiskey Train—an adults-only, evening-style trip that leans into the best parts of classic rail travel: atmosphere, comfort, and a little… -
Maryland 'Dinner Train' Rides At Cumberland
Jun 01, 26 11:44 AM
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) has become one of the Mid-Atlantic’s signature heritage operations—equal parts mountain railroad, living museum, and “special-occasion” night out. -
Massachusetts 'Dinner Train' Rides At Cape Cod
Jun 01, 26 11:43 AM
The Cape Cod Central Railroad (CCCR) has carved out a special niche by pairing classic New England scenery with old-school hospitality, including some of the best-known dining train experiences in the… -
Rhode Island 'Dinner Train' Rides In Portsmouth
Jun 01, 26 11:41 AM
Despite its small size, Rhode Island is home to one popular dinner train experience where guests can enjoy the breathtaking views of Aquidneck Island. -
Maine 'Dinner Train' Rides At Portland
Jun 01, 26 11:38 AM
While this isn’t generally a “dinner train” railroad in the traditional sense—no multi-course meal served en route—Maine Narrow Gauge does offer several popular ride experiences where food and drink a… -
Atlantic Coast Line Diesel Roster (All-Time)
May 31, 26 11:47 AM
The Atlantic Coast Line was an early pioneer in dieselization, acquiring its first diesel locomotives in 1939 and completing the transition from steam by the mid-1950s. -
New Hampshire - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
May 31, 26 11:27 AM
The state's murder mystery trains stand out as a captivating blend of theatrical drama, exquisite dining, and scenic rail travel. -
New York - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
May 31, 26 11:25 AM
New York State, renowned for its vibrant cities and verdant countryside, offers a plethora of activities for locals and tourists alike, including murder mystery train rides! -
Pennsylvania 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 31, 26 11:23 AM
Pennsylvania, steeped in history and industrial heritage, offers a prime setting for a unique blend of dining and drama: the murder mystery dinner train ride. -
New Jersey 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 31, 26 11:18 AM
There are currently no murder mystery dinner trains available in New Jersey although until 2023 the Cape May Seashore Lines offered this event. Perhaps they will again soon! -
Colorado 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 31, 26 11:14 AM
To truly savor these local flavors while soaking in the scenic beauty of Colorado, the concept of wine tasting trains has emerged, offering both locals and tourists a luxurious and immersive indulgenc… -
Georgia 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides In Cordele
May 31, 26 11:03 AM
While the railroad offers a range of themed trips throughout the year, one of its most crowd-pleasing special events is the Wine & Cheese Train—a short, scenic round trip designed to feel like a tasti… -
Iowa 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 31, 26 10:55 AM
The state not only boasts a burgeoning wine industry but also offers unique experiences such as wine by rail aboard the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad. -
Arizona 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 31, 26 10:47 AM
For those who want to experience the charm of Arizona's wine scene while embracing the romance of rail travel, wine tasting train rides offer a memorable journey through the state's picturesque landsc… -
Atlantic Coast Line Steam Roster (Post 1900)
May 31, 26 10:43 AM
The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad (ACL), operating primarily over the relatively flat terrain of the Southeast from Virginia to Florida and Alabama, built a steam roster emphasizing versatile, efficien… -
Norfolk & Western 611 Debuts In "America250" Livery
May 30, 26 11:19 PM
The Virginia Museum of Transportation has announced that Class J No. 611 will receive a temporary special red, white, and blue livery in celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary. -
Boston & Maine Diesel Roster (All-Time)
May 30, 26 03:08 PM
The Boston & Maine Railroad pioneered dieselization in the Northeast, beginning in the 1930s and completing the transition by the mid-1950s. -
Boston & Maine Steam Roster (Post 1900)
May 30, 26 02:52 PM
The Boston & Maine Railroad (B&M) operated one of New England’s most varied steam locomotive rosters from the late 19th century until the mid-1950s. -
Ohio 'Whiskey Tasting' Train Rides
May 30, 26 11:57 AM
LM&M's Bourbon Train stands out as one of the most distinctive ways to enjoy a relaxing evening out in southwest Ohio: a scenic heritage train ride paired with curated bourbon samples and onboard refr… -
Washington 'Whiskey Tasting' Train Rides
May 30, 26 11:56 AM
Climb aboard the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad for a whiskey tasting adventure by train!" -
Texas 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 30, 26 11:54 AM
Here’s a comprehensive look into the world of murder mystery dinner trains in Texas. -
Arkansas 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 30, 26 11:51 AM
This article takes you through the experience of wine tasting train rides in Arkansas, highlighting their offerings, routes, and the delightful blend of history, scenery, and flavor that makes them so… -
California 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 30, 26 11:48 AM
This article explores the charm, routes, and offerings of these unique wine tasting trains that traverse California’s picturesque landscapes. -
Wisconsin 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 30, 26 11:44 AM
Wisconsin might not be the first state that comes to mind when one thinks of wine, but this scenic region is increasingly gaining recognition for its unique offerings in viticulture. -
Bessemer & Lake Erie Diesel Roster (All Time)
May 30, 26 11:40 AM
The Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad (B&LE) transitioned to diesel power efficiently, completing full dieselization in 1953 thanks to its focused heavy-haul profile. -
Bessemer & Lake Erie Steam Roster (Post 1900)
May 30, 26 11:30 AM
The Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad (B&LE), the vital iron ore and coal hauler linking Lake Erie docks at Conneaut, Ohio, to Pittsburgh-area steel mills, operated one of the most specialized steam fleet… -
Bangor & Aroostook Steam Roster (Post 1900)
May 29, 26 11:48 PM
The Bangor & Aroostook Railroad (BAR), Maine’s legendary potato and paper hauler stretching deep into the Aroostook County wilderness, relied on a compact yet hardworking steam fleet for much of its i… -
Bangor & Aroostook Diesel Roster (All Time)
May 29, 26 11:33 PM
BAR prioritized Electro-Motive Division (EMD) products for their reliability in harsh northern Maine winters and on light branch lines, resulting in a roster heavy on versatile road switchers. -
Western Pacific Timetables (August, 1952)
May 29, 26 10:09 PM
These timetables capture the Western Pacific in the final golden years of its passenger operations—offering travelers one last chance to enjoy the dramatic scenery of the Feather River Route in comfor… -
Maine 'Dinner Train' Rides At Portland
May 29, 26 12:04 PM
While this isn’t generally a “dinner train” railroad in the traditional sense—no multi-course meal served en route—Maine Narrow Gauge does offer several popular ride experiences where food and drink a…
