4-6-2 TYPE

CLASS C 4-6-2 PACIFIC TYPE

The Maine Central owned twenty-one 4-6-2 type locomotives which were built during nine different years with no more than three being purchased in any one year. All had 73 inch drivers and were constructed by the American Locomotive Company in Schenectady. The first sixteen built over 1907-1914 and numbered 450-465 were essentially the same but the Maine Central seems to have grouped them into Classes C, C-1 and C-2 although any significant distinctions are not obvious. The three purchased in 1917 and the two built in 1924, numbered 466-470 were different and were classified C-3. The C-3 Pacifics had 25x28 inch cylinders whereas the other 4-6-2's had 22x28 inch cylinders and consequently the C-3's were considerably more powerful. Moreover, the C-3 Pacifics had an auxiliary engine on the trailing truck; the booster increased the tractive force at starting by about twenty five per cent.

BUILDER'S PORTRAITS COMPARING FOUR PACIFICS

BUILT IN 1913, 1914, 1917 AND 1924, RESPECTIVELY

CLASSES C, C-1 and C-2

451 was built in 1907 and scrapped in 1937.

452 was built in 1909 and scrapped in December 1953.

454 was built in 1909 and scrapped in December 1955.

Photographed at North Station, Boston in 1936.

455 was built in 1910 and scrapped in November 1953.

455 was the only Class C built in 1910.

455 leads at least two other engines.

456 was built in 1911 and scrapped in March 1956.

457 was built in 1911 and scrapped in 1936. Note the original front steps and bell location.

458 was built in 1912 and scrapped in 1948.

458 at St. Johnsbury on June 2, 1939.

459 was built in 1912 and scrapped in February 1956. North Station, Boston.

460 was built in 1913 and scrapped in 1951. Shown at Portland in 1943.

461 was built in 1913 and scrapped in 1950. Switching a dairy.

462 was built in 1913 and scrapped in 1949.

Retains original front steps and bell location at Portland in July 1932.

462 at Rigby in 1938.

464 was built in 1914 and scrapped in 1952.

465 was built in 1914 and scrapped in 1948. Retains original steps and bell location.

465 now has a new air compressor, new front steps and a relocated bell.

465 helping a 2-8-2.

CLASS C-3 - 25x28" CYLINDERS

467 was built in 1917 and scrapped in December 1952. Portland August 1920.

467 was built in 1917 and scrapped in December 1952.

469 was built in 1924 and scrapped in December 1953.

469 was distinquished by the shield covering the Worthington feedwater heater pump.

470 was built in 1924 and was preserved after pulling the final steam excursion in 1954.

Note the Coffin feedwater heater in the smokebox.

An unidentified C-3 helps a B&M Pacific with the eleven cars of "The Yankee" near Portland on Christmas Eve 1935.