The 4300 4-8-2's: Southern Pacific's Mt-Class Locomotives

Among Southern Pacific's most capable steam engines were the 4300-series Mountain types. Crews always described them as "the best general purpose locomotives on the railroad." Most of them were built in SP's own Sacramento Shops. In the days of steam, they were workhorses in fast passenger and freight duties.

Here is the complete story of these engines, from their design and development, through construction, maintenance and modification, to their extensive service assignments and performance. A rich collection of technical data, drawings, and photographs complements the detailed and thoroughly researched text.

But this is much more than a history of one engine type. Also encompassed by this book are many aspects of SP locomotive philosophy, construction methods, shop practices, and operating patterns, as well as train assignments across the vast SP system.

Newly revised from the first edition, with 24 additional pages and 40 new photographs, an index and references, and an expanded chapter on tenders, this is a significantly enlarged book. Its numerous additions and improvements from the original version make this edition even more authoritative and complete.