2-6-6-2 TYPE

CLASS X

ARTICULATED COMPOUND 2-6-6-2

In November 1910 the Boston & Maine had ALCO Schenectady build four 2-6-6-2 type locomotives for use in the Hoosac Tunnel. In another year the tunnel was electrified and the four articulated mallet type engines were sold to the Maine Central. B&M 3000 and 3002 were acquired in October 1911 and renumbered 1201 and 1202 while B&M 3001 and 3003 were acquired in January 1912 and renumbered 1203 and 1204. The articulateds mainly served on the steep grades through the Crawford Notch. The engines were built to use oil fuel to reduce smoke in the Hoosac Tunnel but eventually all were converted to coal by the Maine Central. Three of the engines were scrapped during late 1929 but 1203 was not retired until 1935. Following are photographs of the 2-6-6-2's on the B&M and MEC.

Maine Central 1202 on the climb through the Crawford Notch.

The postcard is by Putnam Photo of Antrim, N.H.

1204 at Portland is still oil fired but will be coverted for coal fuel. The oil filler cap can be seen.

Boston & Maine 1294 when new. The number was soon changed to 3003 and it became 1204 when acquired by the Maine Central in January 1912.

The ALCO builder's portrait of B&M 1291 which was renumbered 3000 by the B&M and 1201 when acquired by the Maine Central in October 1911.

Boston & Maine 3003 is said to be in Portland; if so it has not yet been renumbered 1204 by the Maine Central after being acquired January 31, 1912.

CRAWFORD NOTCH

Postcard views of the area where Class X was mainly employed.