| Although an F3A would wear the same #203 later, the first to do so was this 1899 Schenectady built American type locomotive. An example of the B class locomotives that served the CNW in the early years, this loco had spindly looking 75" drivers but could develop a respectable 190 psi boiler pressure for its 19.5"x26" cylinders. The engine weight was a delicate 137,000 lb and it could generate a modest tractive effort of 21,289 lb, enough to handle the lighter, smaller trains of its day. Simple, unobstructed style - must have been much easier to work on than the later models built 40 years later! It is shown parked at the CNW shops in Chicago. The date is approximate. |