Steam Powered (1880s-1900)
The Vermont railroads began to convert their engines from wood burning to coal burning around 1880, and, by 1892, every engine was running on coal. This fuel conversion, as well as other improvements in railroad technology, initiated changes to the design of the engine.
Three wheel arrangements were commonly used during this time period. The 2-6-0 ("The Mogul"), the 2-8-0 ("The Consolidation"), and the 4-6-0. The first number refers to the truck wheels, the small set of wheels at the front of the engine the pivoted on an axel to steer the vehicle. The second number refers to the driving wheels, a larger set of wheels at the rear of the engine that were powered to move (drive) the vehicle. The 0 indicates that there is no other set of wheels behind the driving wheels.
2-6-0
The 2-6-0, seen below, was best suited for freight service but was never a popular engine type, as it was prone to derailment. It was quickly replaced by the 2-8-0.
1890s Engine: Image courtesy of Robert C. Jones, The Central Vermont Railway: A Yankee Tradition, 1981
2-8-0
The 2-8-0, seen below, quickly became the most popular engine type in the United States.
1890 Engine: Image courtesy of Robert C. Jones
4-6-0
The 4-6-0, seen below, was best suited for passenger service.
1890s Engine: Image courtesy of Robert C. Jones
There are a number of other distinguishing characteristics that set the engines of the late 19th century apart from their predecessors. The smokestack loses its funnel shape and becomes a straight, tall stack. The headlight rests on top of the engine, rather than protruding from the front, the wheel mechanism has become more complex and the body has become longer. The rounded tops of boilers extend prominently from the top of the engine, behind the smokestack. The tubular form of the engine is still present, as is the small cabin at the rear. Coal cars were attached to the rear of the engine, carrying the fuel supply.
1890 Engine: Image courtesy of Robert C. Jones
