Steam & Excursion > Pre-Presidential

Before the famous President Class P-7 Pacific on the B&O there were the USRA Light P-5's, 20 from Baldwin and 10 from ALCO starting in 1919. The website steamlocomotive.com noted, "Compared to other B&O designs, these were plush engines, being fitted with power reverse, grate shakers, and coal pushers." 20 of the class had the original Baker valve gear replace with a Walschaert. John S. Powell photographed the 5204 on March 23, 1920 at Ridley Park, Pennsylvania with #5, the Chicago Express. (Does anyone else think this was taken at Swarthmore Avenue?) An unknown photographer caught the 5204 at Zainsville, Ohio in 1956, the same year the entire class was retired.
Photo credit the Library of Congress, Bruce Fales collection.
Be of good cheer,
—Mac
www.lowellamrine.com

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A well-done classic view.
Bob

Great action shot, thanks.

Thanks for the nice photo.  Interesting in later years that they moved the bell back above the boiler, moved the headlight up with dual beams, and lowered the class lamps on this locomotive.  Looks like they got at least 36 years of service out of it.

C. Hanson
Vay, Idaho

Could not find the 5204, but this photo of the 5206 by John S. Powell at Collingdale, PA in 1927 illustrates those changes. Made a good looking locomotive even better looking.
—Mac

hawkinsun Wrote:
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> Thanks for the nice photo.  Interesting in later
> years that they moved the bell back above the
> boiler, moved the headlight up with dual beams,
> and lowered the class lamps on this locomotive. 
> Looks like they got at least 36 years of service
> out of it.
>
> C. Hanson
> Vay, Idaho

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Beautiful images !!

Like them both.  That's an interesting tank wagon in the second picture

Looks like a pure USRA design, being built in 1919. The revise B&O front end really changed the USRA esthetic.

These are really nice images.  Thanks for posting.