Western Pacific 2-8-0 Consolidation type steam locomotive #9. Portola California 1938.

Western Pacific 2-8-0 Conso;odation type steam locomotive #9. Portola California 1938.
Originally uploaded by Eddie from Chicago

I found this classic steam era photograph on the internet recently.

During the steam era, the steam locomotives like Western Pacific Railroad #9 with the 2 -8-0 wheel arrangements were refered to as Cosolidation types. Introduced during the 1880's, these locomotives quickly proved themselves as a good hard working and versatile utility locomotive on freight trains, wich were already becoming longer and heavier by this time. They were quite usefull in switching and transfer train service as well.

Western Pacific Railroad steam locomotive #9, is viewed at work in the yard at Portola California way back in 1938.

Portola California today, is the site of the Western Pacific Railroad Museum, wich until recently was originally known as The Portola Railroad Museum. The former Western Pacific shops complex at Portola ( A once major facility) became the Portola Railroad Museum during the mid 1980's after Union Pacific acquired the WP through merger in 1982.

This museum has the largest collection of preserved former Western Pacific locomotives and rolling stock on display.