Steam & Excursion > Chinese SY question

Many years ago when the Valley RR imported the 1647 (now 142), I was told that the design of the SY class was actually based on an American design.

Is this true...or a bunch of "hooey?"

Thanks!

Gary Hunter's wonderful article in Trains (12/02) says:

" The SY-Class 2-8-2 has a tractive effort of 38,130 pounds, and was built specifically for industrial service. Based upon the JF6, which originated from an Alco design of the 1920's. "

Brian E

Thanks. Was Alco involved in the initial manufacture of them in China?

No. ALCO sold engines to the Manchurian Railways, which were under Japanese control at the time. The Japanese copied the design and built them in Japan and later on in China, at Dalian. After the Communist revolution, the Chinese re-manufactured a number of JF's, then began building their own. The SY is an updated version of the JF, with an eye towards industrial service. The semi-slope back tender was designed with frequent reverse operation in mind.

Take away the boxpok drivers, the all weather cab and the slope back tender and you have a very American looking engine. With an internal dry pipe, the SY looks much more American than the JS mainline 2-8-2, which had an external dry pipe hidden by a partial skyline casing, much like the QJ.

Great information, thank you, thank you, thank you!