Delaware & Hudson Challengers

The Delaware & Hudson Railroad recieved its first "Challengers" in 1940 from the American Locomotive Company with the delivery of twenty of the 4-6-6-4s. These locomotives were designated Class J and assigned road numbers 1500 through 1519. They had four 20.5 x 32 cylinders, 69" drivers, a boiler pressure of 285 psi, exerted 94,000 lbs of tractive effort and weighed 597,000 pounds.

In 1943, fifteen more Class J "Challengers" arrived from ALCO and were given road numbers 1520 through 1534. these locomotives were similar to the Class Js received in 1940 except for a small increase in weight.

In 1945 and 1946, five more Class Js (road numbers 1535 through 1539) came from ALCO. These last five differred very little from the other "Challengers".

All 40 of the D&H "Challengers" were scrapped in 1952 and 1953. The tender used with number 1508 did survive the scrapper and is now in Binghamton, NY.

ClassRoad NumberYear BuiltBuilderLocomotive WeightWeight on Drivers
J1500-15191940ALCO597,000 lbs406,500 lbs
J1520-15341943ALCO600,000 lbs406,500 lbs
J1535-15381945ALCO604,500 lbs409,500 lbs
J15391946ALCO599,500 lbs409,500 lbs

Specifications for Class J
Wheel Arrangement:4-6-6-4
Length:116' - 2"
Drivers:69" dia.
Weight on Drivers:406,500 lbs
Locomotive Weight:597,000 lbs
Locomotive & Tender Weight:987,000 lbs
Grate Area:108 sq ft
Cylinders (dia. x stroke):(4) 20.5" x 32"
Boiler Pressure:285 psi
Tractive Effort:97,400 lbs
Tender Capacity:
Water:22,500 gals.
Coal:26 tons

Photos

References