Southern Pacific 2579

Southern Pacific Railroad (SP) 2579 is a heavy 2-8-0 type steam locomotives built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1906, a typical example of over 350 locomotives called "Consolidations". 2579 was retired from service in 1956 and is currently in display in the Veterans Memorial Park in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Last used in revenue service in November 1956, 2579 was donated to the City of Klamath Falls on September 1957.

Southern Pacific 2579
Type and origin Power type Steam Builder Baldwin Locomotive Works Serial number 27681 Build date 1906
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 2-8-0 Gauge 4 ft 8 ^1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) Driver dia. 57 in (1,448 mm) Adhesive weight 180,700 lb (82,000 kg) Loco weight 400,000 lb (181,400 kg) Fuel type fuel oil Boiler pressure 200 psi (1.4 MPa) Cylinder size 25 in × 30 in (640 mm × 760 mm)
Performance figures Tractive effort 43,660 lbf (194.21 kN)
Career Operators Southern Pacific Railroad Class C-9 Numbers 2579 Retired September 8, 1957 Disposition Static Display

History

Locomotive #2579 is a typical example of steam locomotives called "consolidations" that were used by the Southern Pacific Railroad. It worked on many different duties for the Southern Pacific system from the early 20th century well into 1956, even handling passenger trains on rare occasions. At nearly 400,000 pounds and at 71 feet in length, #2579 was utilized for freight on the SP's Portland, Sacramento, Shasta, and Western Divisions. It was retired from steam freight operations in November 1956 and vacated from the active roster of locomotives in May 1957.

Southern Pacific Locomotive #2579 was donated to the City of Klamath Falls on September 8, 1957. Since then, SP2579 has been on display in Veterans Memorial Park along the shores of Lake Ewauna, near the junction of Main Street and US97.[1]

References

1. Larry Castle and Tom Dill (2011). Southern Pacific's 2579 and Klamath Falls, Oregon. Klamath Falls City Parks.