Repowering a pair of hudsons

[nkp_174]

I had forgotten that some Hudsons got elephant ears. I took a look for my NYC Power book, but don't know where I've left it. I only remember the Niagara's and some L4 Mohawks having them. I thought they were deemed not particularly effective so were not used on other types. I assume it was some of the J3's thet had them applied? Can you tell me how many and their #'s?

Thanks

I don't believe that any NYC hudsons ever had elephant ears. These are NKP hudsons...but the two are closely linked.

During the winter of 1926-27, 5 steam locomotives of a new type were being designed and built at two separate ALCO facilities. The one at Schenectady was an evolution of its railroads K-5 pacifics, while the four at Brooks were an evolution of its railroads K-1 pacifics. All 5 locomotives at tractive effort a little north of 40,000 pounds. The first one finished was the one at Schenectady and delivered in February as NYC 5200. The other four at Brooks were completed during February and delivered during March...some of the last locomotives produced by Brooks. The 5200 was one of 275 on the NYC, the 170-173 were 4 of 8 on the NKP. The 5200 had 79" drivers, the 170 had 73" drivers. Ironically, while the 1st hudson was cut up along with her 274 siblings, the 2nd hudson sits in St. Louis, MO and is the best cared for locomotive in their collection. 170 was nearly joined in preservation by 3 of her sisters (1 Alco, 2 Lima)...but the untimely death of their new owner sent the 173, 174, and 175 to the torch.

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I do also have a Rivarossi NYC J-3a, but I have a strong preference for the NKP's hudsons...afterall, my handle on here is the first Lima built NKP hudson...174

Here's a link to some pictures of them:
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IIRC, 170 was the only one to receive a Mars light (the second, ugly headlight). It was also put on display while the Lima hudsons were still backup power for the PAs and hauling excursions.