12-07-2010, 07:49 AM
P5se Camelback Wrote:I've heard a rumor that the Reading Company developed the Class A5a 0-4-0 Camelback specifically to be able to negotiate the Atlas #4 turnouts on Front Street in Philly, where the tracks through the turnout curve towards the west before then swinging back to the east, crossing the main Front Street trackage at about 60°and then entering the many piers along the Delaware River. No other wheel arrangement could make it through those sharp, tight Atlas #4's!
The PRR had A5s (Belpaire boilered, non camelback) as well, specifically for Phily (Delaware Ave and Front St.) and Baltimore. Those Atlas #4s must have been a bear!
-Dave