In the 1920s, increased competition meant that railroads had to come up with new ways of doing business if they hoped to remain successful. Up to that time, most freight was moved by connecting as many cars as possible to a locomotive and having the steam engine heave and drag them along (called "drag freight"). Some railroads decided to compete more effectively by increasing the speed, not the capacity, of their freight trains. The Lima Locomotive Works' 2-8-4 Berkshire steamer, introduced in 1924 and named for the Massachusetts mountains where it was demonstrated, helped make this happen. The Berkshire was dubbed a "Super Power" engine because its larger firebox grate and other related elements (which necessitated the 4-wheel trailing truck) greatly increased the engine's steam-making capacity. And more steam capacity means more power and more speed. In all, 611 Berkshires were built for several railroads. They were a huge success and remained in service on U.S. rails until 1958, well into the diesel era. The first 2-8-4 was built with 63" drivers, but railroads soon discovered that it had so much more steam capacity than previous freight engines it could power larger - and therefore faster - drivers, and subsequent models had 69"-70" drivers. Cruising speeds averaged about 55 mph.
The first 2-8-4 was built with 63" drivers, but railroads soon discovered that it had so much more steam capacity than previous freight engines it could power larger - and therefore faster - drivers, and subsequent models had 69"-70" drivers. Cruising speeds averaged about 55 mph.
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