On perhaps the greatest railroad ever, no steam locomotive was more revered than the legendary Pennsylvania K-4s Pacific. Evolving from a program begun in 1914 to develop heavy freight and passenger classes utilizing common boiler designs, the K-4s was an instant success. From 1917 to 1928, a total of 425 units were built at the Juniata and Baldwin Shops.
The 4-6-2 K-4s became the Pennsylvania's principal passenger hauler, possessing a consummate blend of speed and power. Often double headed on east coast limiteds in front of a Pullman consist, the K-4s was a common and beautiful sight on the Pennsylvania's rails, and became synonymous with that railroad's steam power.
Later, after World War II concluded, the Pennsy's needs changed and the K-4's appearance underwent a series of changes to better serve those needs. The most apparent changes showed up on the 1947 Postwar or Modern version of the K-4 and included a solid drop-coupler pilot, repositioned boiler front headlight and the addition of a steam generator below the headlight.
The Pennsy's signature steamer returns to the Imperial line for 2010, fitted with the prewar pilot and offered in both an early striped paint scheme and a later, more simple dress. Equipped with imperial details that include tender truck safety chains, legible builders plate, operating classification lights, cab interior light, and real coal loader, our Imperial K-4's are also offered in tow very attractively priced sets.
Did You Know?
No. 1737 was the first K-4 produced for the Pennsylvania Railroad. No. 1361, formerly displayed at Horseshoe Curve currently resides in Scranton, Pennsylvania and is being rebuilt at Steamtown.
