The Reading Modeler Forum :: Topic: why is B8a wheelbase so short? (1/1)

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why is B8a wheelbase so short?

What's the difference between a GP40-2 and GP39-2? What year did the Reading dieselize? How many tracks were in Rutherford Yard? This board focuses on a discussion of questions or issues concerning the "prototype" Reading Company and its predecessors. While the aim of this board is to serve as a resource for prototype information for modeling purposes, general discussion and sharing of knowledge is also encouraged.

TOPIC: why is B8a wheelbase so short?

why is B8a wheelbase so short? 11 years 2 weeks ago #1191

gregc OFFLINE Apprentice Posts: 6 Thank you received: 1	I created an image comparing Reading loco wheelbases. While wheelbase lengthened with each new model in each class, the B8a is shorter than the B7a. Was there some specific purpose this model was designed for? greg
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why is B8a wheelbase so short? 11 years 2 weeks ago #1194

Robin OFFLINE Conductor Posts: 173 Thank you received: 47	They were designed to work with the A4 and A5 0-4-0s on Philadelphia industrial trackage, Greg. They had to negotiate some very tight curves.
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why is B8a wheelbase so short? 11 years 2 weeks ago #1210

gregc
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Thank you received: 1

So why would they build 0-6-0s when 0-4-0s were available?

i see that the last A5s were built in 1913 (Wiswesser), B9s in 1918 and E5s in 1925. This suggests they needed bigger switch engines. Was this because the freight cars were getting bigger and/or the number of cars being switched increased?

Were the A5s becoming in inadequate for the size of the freight cars being switched in Philly?

I also see that they built 3 B8as in 1907, but built 7 B8bs in 1921, after the B9s.

This reinforces my belief that engines were designed with very specific purposes/routes in mind.

greg

Last Edit: 11 years 2 weeks ago by gregc.

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why is B8a wheelbase so short? 10 years 5 months ago #2206

LexLowmaster OFFLINE Apprentice Posts: 6	If I remember correctly it was because they needed more power in order to pull more cars for the Kensington industrial area as well as the Delaware Avenue industrial areas.
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why is B8a wheelbase so short?

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