Central of Georgia "Big Apples"

The Central of Georgia, like most railroads, found itself short of passenger motive power during World War II. However, the War Production Board requirements only permitted dual service or freight locomotives to be constructed and only in existing designs. Therefore, the Central of Georgia chose to purchase eight copies of Southern Pacific's Class GS-2.

In 1943, the Lima Locomotive Works delivered the eight Class K Northerns (road numbers 451 through 458) and C of G put these 73" driver 4-8-4s to work on its passenger trains like the "Dixie Flyer" and the "Seminole". They became known affectionately as "Big Apples".

These locomotives weighed 447,200 lbs, had 27 x 30 cylinders, 250 lbs psi boiler pressure and a tractive effort of 62,300 lbs.

Specifications for Class K
Wheel Arrangement:	4-8-4
Length:	96' - 6"
Drivers:	73" dia
Weight on Drivers:	260,000 lbs
Total Locomotive Weight:	447,200 lbs
Locomotive & Tender Weight:	693,800 lbs
Grate Area:	90.2 sq ft
Cylinders:	(2) 27" dia. x 30" stroke
Boiler Pressure:	250 psi
Tractive Effort:	63,200 lbs
Tender Capacity:	13,000 gals. of water and 21 tons of coal.

Central of Georgia "Big Apples"

Reference