Equipment Information

Chicago Burlington & Quincy 4963 is a heavy freight engine designed for use pulling heavy freight trains at low speed. Engines like this were nearly ubiquitous in mainline freight service in America in the years following World War I. This engine sat in a scrap yard for decades after retirement until acquired by IRM in 1990.

FUN FACT: The 2-8-2 wheel arrangement was known as the Mikado, but the name’s Japanese origins lost favor during World War II. For a brief period some people referred to 2-8-2 locomotives as “MacArthurs” in honor of the popular general. After the war ended the Mikado name quickly returned.

COMPARE ME WITH: Frisco 1630, the museum’s popular and operational 2-10-0 Decapod. Compared with the Frisco engine, the CB&Q 2-8-2 has nearly 50% more tractive effort due to its larger size and bigger firebox.

Builder: Baldwin Locomotive Works
Year Built: 1923
Builder Number: 56812
Wheel Arrangement: 2-8-2
Length: 71ft 2in
Width: 10ft 2in
Height: 14ft 10in
Weight: 384780 lbs
Brakes: 6ET
Tractive Effort: 58090 lbs
Cylinders: 27×30
Boiler Pressure: 200 psi
Drivers: 64in
Description: Class O1a
Arrived: 1990
Condition: Complete / cosmetically restored / not operational

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