Recognizing Steam Locomotive Types.
Steam locomotives haven't been widely seen in regular service for nearly half a century on U.S. rails. Yet the popularity of steam locomotives in model railroading continues to rise. The sight of huge drivers moved by churning rods, the belching of steam, the smoke and sound, make a steam locomotive seem alive. It is a hugely powerful machine that can literally shake the earth. These impressive machines add a statement of grand power to model railroads.
2-8-0 Consolidation
0-8-0

Steam locomotives come in all shapes and sizes and are best described by their wheel configuration or name. These are defined by "The Whyte System" developed by Frederic M. Whyte (1865-1941) who for many years was general mechanical engineer of the New York Central Railroad. In this system, the wheels are counted from front to rear in sets. At front there may be small lead or guide wheels, followed by larger (powered) "drivers" and at rear there may be smaller wheels under the firebox and cab. As an example a Pacific type locomotive has two pairs (4) small wheels at front, followed by three pairs (6) of drivers annd a single pair (2) of small wheels under the cab. So this engine is known as a 4-6-2 or Pacific type.

There is a wide selection of steam locomotives in HO scale from many manufacturers in a broad range of prices. Check your local hobby dealer and get steamed up on your model railroad.

This table shows nearly every steam locomotive in operation from 1900 through 1958.
Wheels Type
0-4-0 4 wheel switcher
0-6-0 6-wheel switcher
0-8-0 8 wheel switcher
0-8-8-0 Mallet (Articulated)
0-10-0 10-wheel switcher
2-6-0 Mogul
2-6-2 Prarie
2-6-6-2 Mallet (Articulated)
2-6-6-4 Mallet (Articulated)
2-6-6-6 Allegheny
2-8-0 Consolidation
2-8-2 Mikado
2-8-4 Berkshire
2-8-8-0 Mallet (Articulated)
2-8-8-2 Mallet (Articulated)
2-8-8-4 Yellowstone (Mallet (Articulated)
2-8-8-8-2 Triple Articulated
2-10-0 Decapod
2-10-2 Santa Fe
2-10-4 Texas
2-10-10-2 Mallet (Articulated)
4-4-0 American
4-4-2 Atlantic
4-4-4 Reading
4-4-4-4 4 cyl-Non-articulated
4-4-6-4 4 cyl-Non-articulated
4-6-0 10 wheel
4-6-2 Pacific
4-6-4 Hudson
4-6-4-4 4 cyl-Non-articulated
4-6-6 Tank
4-6-6-4 4 cyl-articulated
4-8-0 12 Wheel
4-8-2 Mountain
4-8-4 Northern; Niagrara; Pocono
4-8-8-2 Mallet (Articulated)
4-8-8-4 Mallet (Articulated)
4-10-0 Mastodon
4-10-2 Southern Pacific
4-12-2 Union Pacific
Source: Association of American Railroads
Washinton D.C. January 1958

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