Class K-2 1/2 (Locobase 1361)

As noted in Railway Age (6 March 1914), these Pacifics were designed to work over the Easton-Sayre (PA) Division. The maximum grades on this run were (westbound) the 33.7 mile climb from Mauch Chunk (later Jim Thorpe) to Glen Summit, which had a maximum grade of 1.25% and, eastbound, the Wilkes-Barre -- Glen Summit section, which maxed out at 1.8% during its 19.6 mile ascent. Over this line the Pacifics were designed to haul 550-ton passenger trains westbound, 360-ton trains eastbound.

The grate size tells you this was an anthracite burner with a Wootten firebox. RA notes that the factor of adhesion is relatively low and notes that "it was necessary to design the valve gear to obtain a rotative effort as nearly constant as possible." The 14" piston valves were set up to have the relatively generous lap of 1 1/4", which RA comments "is apparently responsible for the even turning movement." Although RA doesn't mention it, the lead in these valves of 5/16" is also relatively high and would also have contributed to the smooth reciprocation of the motion.

The first 2/1/2 left service in 1937 with the last not retiring until 1950.

Class K-3/K-4 (Locobase 3087)

Data from LV 3 - 1934 Locomotive Diagrams supplied in May 2005 by Allen Stanley from his extensive collection.

These followed the new-build K2 1/2s (Locobase 1361) and had identical principal dimensions. K3s 2026-2031 were rebuilds of Camelbacks but retaining the Wootten firebox. K4s (2050-2064) had conventional fireboxes burning bituminous coal; the data relates to these engines.

Class K-5/K-5 1/2 (Locobase 446)

(Railway Age Gazette, 27 April 1917). Data confirmed and supplemented by table in January 1917 issue of Railway Mechanical Engineer (RME) and LV 3 - 1934 Locomotive Diagrams supplied in May 2005 by Allen Stanley from his extensive collection.

Firebox burned bituminous coal. Tube/flue layout was identical to the R-class 2-10-2s built in the same year, but the latter had 21-foot-long tubes.

Lehigh Valley built several K classes. The first 30 entered service in early 1917; 20 more delivered by the end of the year. Operated as dual-service fast-freight/heavy passenger locomotives between Manchester, NY and Coxton, Pa (175 miles) over a ruling grade of 0.4%. A 50-car freight made the trip in 5 1/2 hours. Also used in heavy passenger service on the Wyoming division (Pittson-Athens) .

Although they started out with 192,200 lb on the drivers (301,500 lb for the engine), upgrades and additions increased both weights by 5 tons. They also trailed much larger tenders over time, starting out with 158,500 lb loaded and carrying 8,000 gal of water and 12 1/2 tons of coal.

Several K-series engines (including #2102) were streamlined for the John Wilkes express service.

Class K6b (Locobase 147)

Data from tables in 1930 Locomotive Cyclopedia.

Firebox had combustion chamber. These had axle loadings almost 4 tons lighter than those of the K 5 1/2 (Locobase 446).

Alco built 10 K6bs and LV 10 more in 1924-1925. These engines had a 10,400 lb booster to increase starting TE.