United States Railroad Administration Locomotive

National Historic

Mechanical Engineering Landmark

United States Railroad Administration Locomotive

Atlantic Coast Line Class P-5a 4-6-2 No. 1504 1919

During the World-War I emergency, American railroads were placed under the control of the United States Railroad Administration (USRA). To facilitate construction, operation, and maintenance, all new steam locomotives ordered during this period were built to one of twelve standard designs developed by a committee composed of USRA, railroad, and locomotive-builder representatives. This family of locomotives, ranging from 0-6-0 to 2-8-8-2 in size, incorporated the best proven features of the day and was the first successful standardization of American motive power. Although the USRA period lasted only three years, locomotives continued to be built around these basic designs for another decade. ACL 1504, built by American Locomotive Co. Richmond Works, is a "Light Pacific," the most common USRA passenger design. It was in service on ACL for over 30 years and survived in almost original condition.

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers - 1990

Marker is on 1000 W Bay Street, on the left when traveling west.

Courtesy hmdb.org

Credits and Sources:

HMDB