The ultimate in 4-8-2s on the NYC was the L-4 class. With their 72-inch drivers and roller-bearing driving journals, they were right at home on a passenger train, although they, too, were restricted to a conservative 70 MPH. (All other L classes had…
This photograph of the running gear of the 3148 gives a clue to the immediate reason for her removal from service (she would have succumbed to dieselitis shortly afterward anyway). Notice that the piston key is not tightly fitted into the crosshead -…