Steam & Excursion > Chicago & Alton 2-6-6-2's

I came across a couple photos of Chicago & Alton 700, a 2-6-6-2.

Surprised they had a need for these beasts.

Anyone have any info ?

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train1275 Wrote:
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> Anyone have any info ?

https://www.steamlocomotive.com/locobase.php?country=USA&wheel=2-6-6-2&railroad=ca

mike woodruff
north platte ne

Thanks for sharing. Maybe for heavy, slow drag service? From what I understand, the Alton had an eclectic steam roster with some second-hand from other railroads? Did the B&O have any influence? What happen if this thing showed up some day unexpectedly at the engine facility and you were told that was your engine for the day?

Victor Baird



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/21/25 20:24 by wabash2800.

Tiny grate area and small firebox,
means slow speeds in compound
power setting.

Also, note saturated-steam pipes
from steam dome to HP cylinders.
Not superheated.
And probably hand-fired.

What was construction date?

W.

Posted from iPhone



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 02/22/25 00:44 by wcamp1472.

If that's not a soak I'd love to see the piping arrangement! Thing is, that's probably as noted a drag/transfer engine,
would make a decent heated application. And I agree with Wes, probably a hand bomber.

Out 

wcamp1472 Wrote:
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> Tiny grate area and small firebox,
> means slow speeds in compound
> power setting.
>
> Also, note saturated-steam pipes
> from steam dome to HP cylinders.
> Not superheated.
> And probably hand-fired.
>
> What was construction date?
>
> W.
>
50 sq ft of grate.

Three, No's 700-702 were built by American in 1910.  700 sold to C&O in 1911, but was not a pattern engine for C&O's other 2-6-6-2's.  702 was renumbered 700.

-LD

 

It seems like compound locomotives often have slide valves on the LP cylinders.  I understand the lower pressure would allow the use of slide valves, but is there an actual advantage to the slide valves?  Cheaper to build and/or maintain?  Bigger openings?  Need less power to operate?  Other?

Sure not for aesthetics, to my eye.

Looks very similar to the B&O's "Old Maude" 0-6-6-0, which I believe was the first Mallet in the US. 

The 700's were designed to provide drag helper service on Atlanta hill which was the northbound ruling grade between St. Louis and Chicago.   They were not successful in this role.