Athearn HO Old Time 2-8-0 Locomotive, D&RGW #944

Athearn HO Old Time 2-8-0 Locomotive, D&RGW #944 Overview

Under the Whyte notation for the classification of steam locomotives, 2-8-0 represents the wheel arrangement of two leading wheels on one axle, usually in a leading truck, eight powered and coupled driving wheels on four axles, and no trailing wheels. This design allowed for more tractive effort with two additional driving axles and a larger boiler.

From its introduction in 1866, the 2-8-0 design was the ultimate heavy-freight locomotive. The 2-8-0's forte was starting and moving “impressive loads at unimpressive speeds” and its versatility gave the 2-8-0 its longevity. In 1915, it was realized that no further development was possible with a locomotive of this wheel arrangement.