The Grand Trunk Western Classes J-3a and J-3b were two classes of 4-6-2 "Pacific" type steam locomotives built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works for the Grand Trunk Western Railroad.
History[]
Construction and Delivery[]
Thirty-nine of the Class J-3-a Pacifics were delivered to the Grand Trunk Western Railroad over a two-year period from the Baldwin Locomotive Works starting in 1912 with Nos. 5030-5050. At least twenty-three were later equipped with new boilers with substantial changes, including a 24% reduction in the small tube count from one hundred and eighty-one to one hundred and thirty-nine. Installation of 50 sq ft of thermic siphons also increased the firebox heating surface to 231 sq ft. The grate is 50.62 sq ft and total heating surface is 3,003 sq ft including 578 sq ft superheating.
They were primarily used in freight service.
Accidents and incidents[]
No. 5030 had been involved in a notorious train wreck, known as the "Knights Templar Special Train Crash" on June 5, 1923. Due to poor ballast conditions the train jumped the tracks a mile west of Durand, Michigan. Five people lost their lives in the accident. No. 5030 was repaired and returned to service.
Retirement[]
Retirement of the Grand Trunk Western Classes J-3a and J-3b had commenced and by the 1950s, all but one example was scrapped.
Sole Survivor[]
Main Article: Grand Trunk Western No. 5030.
Grand Trunk Western No. 5030 was constructed in 1912 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works and was the first member of the class. It was delivered to Grand Trunk Western Railroad that same year. The engine was retired from revenue service and was donated to the City of Jackson, Michigan in 1957, where it was placed on display in the North Lawn Park just off Lansing Ave.
As of 2023, No. 5030 is awaiting restoration to operational condition for the Colebrookdale Railroad.
Stock list[]
***W.I.P***
| Photograph | Loco No. | Build date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
|
5030 | 1912 | Undergoing restoration to operational condition |
| Frameless | 5031 | - | Scrapped |
| Frameless | 5032 | - | Scrapped |
| Frameless | 5033 | - | Scrapped |
| Frameless | 5034 | - | Scrapped |
| Frameless | 5035 | - | Scrapped |
| Frameless | 5036 | - | Scrapped |
| Frameless | 5037 | - | Scrapped |
|
5038 | - | Scrapped |
| Frameless | 5039 | - | Scrapped |
|
5048 | - | Scrapped |