2-4-2

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This 2-4-2 1899 engine from the Baldwin Locomotive Works was used on the private Raahe track in Finland, and was later bought by the Finnish State Railways.

In the Whyte notation for the classification of steam locomotives by wheel arrangement, a 2-4-2 has two leading wheels (generally in a leading truck), four driving wheels (two driving axles) and two trailing wheels, normally in a trailing truck. The type is sometimes named "Columbia" after an early locomotive of 2-4-2 arrangement.

The equivalent UIC classification is 1'B1', if the leading and trailing wheels are in swivelling trucks..

While a number of 2-4-2 tender locomotives were built, larger types soon became dominant. The vast majority of 2-4-2s have been tank locomotives. The symmetrical arrangement suits a tank locomotive, which may travel in either direction.

[edit] See also

• Category:2-4-2 locomotives

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