The Lackawanna #1603 Was Big News Back In 1929!

Published Dec 18, 2017 By Robert Blue

Back in 1929, the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad put 20 of these monsters into service between Buffalo, NY, Hoboken, NJ, and New York City.

Known by her nickname as one of the “Poconos” on the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad, this Q2 class locomotive was designed to pull light fast freight and heavy passenger trains.

The Lackawanna 4-8-4 #1603 was the subject of this press release in 1929 to promote passenger service and could reach speeds up to 100 mph!

Some quick facts about the Lackawanna # 1603

Builder: American locomotive works 1929
Class: Q-2
Wheel arrangement: 4-8-4 “Northern Type”
Locomotive and tender weight: 654,000 pounds
Length: 100 feet long
fuel: coal with mechanical stoker

Her later cousin is Union Pacific’s #844 which is also a 4-8-4 “Northern” wheel arrangement. The 4-8-4 wheel arrangement was first used by the Northern Pacific Railway, hence the “Northern” nickname was used.

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