Seoul-Fusan 2-8-0 Locomotives in Korea

Class 14 (Locobase 12689)

Data from Baldwin Locomotive Works Specification for Engines as digitized by the DeGolyer Library of Southern Methodist University Vol 27, p. 5. Works numbers were 23774-23777, 23799-23800 in April 1904.

The Seoul-Fusan was reported by the Anglo-Japanese Gazette (September 1902, p. 53) as requiring prodigies of effort: "The country through which the line will pass is immensely difficult, and, though only 285 miles long, will involve the construction of nearly eight miles of tunnelling, four miles of bridging, deep cuttings, and heavy embankments." The AJJ's reporter indulges in a little labour commentary as well: "As Korean labourers receive little over sixpence a day, the heavy character of the work can be better gauged from the estimated cost of +9,000 per mile." ( A sixpence equalled 1/40th of a pound sterling.)

Despite the implication that orders of locomotives from England proved their superiority, new motive power included these 6 Consolidations from Philadelphia. They were not especially big as Baldwin Consolidations went and occupied the middle of non-US-railroad 2-8-0s of the time.