2-10-2 "Santa Fe" Type Locomotives

In 1902 the AT&SF bought three 2-10-0s for use as pushers. They worked well as pushers but getting them back down the hills was difficult because of their long rigid wheelbase. To solve this problem the AT&SF ordered more 2-10-0s with trailing wheels to help guide them while traveling backward. This resulted in a new wheel arrangement -- the 2-10-2 or "Santa Fe" type.

The first 2-10-2s used on the AT&ST had a wide firebox over the drivers. The rear truck was used only to guide the locomotive while traveling backward. Later 2-10-2s, such as those belonging to the CB&Q had a wide firebox located behind the drivers resulting in the more conventional used of a trailing truck -- to support a large firebox.

The B&O produced the ultimate 2-10-2s. They were more powerful and faster than most other 2-10-2s. The B&O called them "Big Sixes" because they were numbered in the 6000s.