| Canadian National 3254 | |
|---|---|
| CN 3254 With a tour train at Steamtown | |
| Power type | Steam |
| Builder | Canadian Locomotive Company |
| Serial number | 1463 |
| Build date | 1917 |
| Configuration | 2-8-2 |
| UIC classification | 1′D1′ h2 |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Driver diameter | 63 in (1,600 mm) |
| Weight on drivers | 209,970 lb (95.2 tonnes) |
| Locomotive weight | 277,550 lb (125.9 tonnes) |
| Tender weight | 167,250 lb (75.9 tonnes) |
| Fuel type | Coal |
| Fuel capacity | 12 long tons (12 t) |
| Water capacity | 7,500 imp gal (34,000 l; 9,000 US gal) |
| Boiler pressure | 180 lbf/in² (1.24 MPa) |
| Cylinders | Two, outside |
| Cylinder size | 27 × 30 in (686 × 762 mm) |
| Tractive effort | 53,115 lbf (236.27 kN) |
| Factor of adhesion |
3.95 |
| Career | Canadian Government Railways, Canadian National Railway, Gettysburg and Northern Railroad |
| Class | S-1-b |
| Number | CGR 2854, CN 3254 |
| Retired | 1958 |
| Current owner | Steamtown National Historic Site |
| Disposition | Operating in excursion service. |
The Canadian National 3254 is a preserved Canadian National class S-1-b 2-8-2 type steam locomotive. It is a part of the operating fleet at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Canadian National 3254 was built in 1917 by the Canadian Locomotive Company for the Canadian Government Railways where it was numbered 2854. In 1918, the Canadian Government Railways combined with the Canadian Northern Railway formed the Canadian National Railways. The 3254 was in charge of handling very heavy freight trains until the Canadian National retired it in 1958. In 1961, it was sold to a private owner and in 1982 it was sold to the Gettysburg Railroad. In the summer of 1987, the steam locomotive arrived at Steamtown after Steamtown traded Canadian Pacific 4-6-2 #1278 and cash for the 3254.[1]
Today the 3254 takes excursions from Scranton. Because of 3254's high pulling power, she is able to climb grades at ease.[1] Despite being an operable Canadian steam locomotive, a lot of American railfans come to Steamtown to view the 3254 and ride excursions behind the 3254.
Steamtown also has a Canadian National class S-1-d Mikado, the 3377, on static display. In 2010, the 3254's tender was rusted and leaking, so a new one was rebuilt (keeping the original underframe). The 3254's leaky tank was then put on the 3377's tender frame, and the 3377's tank was scrapped.[2]