The Largest Operating Steam Locomotives in the U.S.

by weight

Specifications of eight locomotives

Several other 4-8-4 steam locomotives are operational, but all are smaller than those shown here. All other operational locomtives in the U.S. and Canada are smaller than the Northern class. The 3985 is a 4-6-6-4 and the 1218 is a 2-6-6-4.

The 1218 and 611 are no longer operating but are included here for reference. Not counting these two, the SP&S 700 is the third largest operating locomotive in North America by most measures, and the second largest by weight on drivers and tractive effort.


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All Aboard the SP&S 700