4-8-0

4-8-0 (Twelve-wheeler [1][2])
Diagram of two small leading wheels, and four large driving wheels joined by a coupling rod
Front of locomotive at left
The Centipede as built (bottom) and as modified by the B&O Railroad (top)
Equivalent classifications
UIC class2′D
French class240
Turkish class46
Swiss class4/6
Russian class2-4-0
First known tank engine version
First use1909
CountryUnited Kingdom
LocomotiveNER Class X
RailwayNorth Eastern Railway
DesignerWilson Worsdell
BuilderNorth Eastern Railway
First known tender engine version
First use1855
CountryUnited States of America
LocomotiveB&O no. 235 Centipede
RailwayBaltimore and Ohio Railroad
DesignerRoss Winans
BuilderRoss Winans
First known "True type" version
First use1882
CountryUnited States
Locomotive229 Mastodon
RailwayCentral Pacific Railroad
DesignerAndrew Jackson Stevens
BuilderCentral Pacific Sacramento shops
Evolved from2-8-0
Evolved to4-8-2
BenefitsBetter power than 2-8-0
DrawbacksSmall firebox

Under the Whyte notation for the classification of steam locomotives, 4-8-0 represents the wheel arrangement of four leading wheels on two axles, usually in a leading truck or bogie, eight powered and coupled driving wheels on four axles and no trailing wheels. In North America and in some other countries the type was usually known as the Twelve-wheeler.[1][2]

  1. ^ a b "Locomotives: Whyte's Notation". Locomotive Cyclopedia of American Practice. Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation. 1922. pp. 106–107.
  2. ^ a b Colvin, Fred H. (1906). The railroad pocket-book: a quick reference cyclopedia of railroad information. New York, Derry-Collard; London, Locomotive Publishing Company (US-UK co-edition). p. L‑9.