Steam Classes

[Ivo]

Hi all,

Can anyone clear up the three-digit "classes" that are applied to steam engines in the same way as modern TOPS classes? For instance, you might have 4-6-0, or 4-4-2, or the like; what do they mean exactly? It's one I've never understood...

Thank you, and sorry if I sound like an idiot!

 

[142094]

Those are the wheel arrangements. Have a look herefor more info.

 

[matchmaker]

Hi all,

Can anyone clear up the three-digit "classes" that are applied to steam engines in the same way as modern TOPS classes? For instance, you might have 4-6-0, or 4-4-2, or the like; what do they mean exactly? It's one I've never understood...

Thank you, and sorry if I sound like an idiot!

Wheel arrangment. Google "Whyte notation."

HTH

 

[Ivo]

That makes sense; I seem to recall reading *something* about wheels at some point. Merci

 

[jopsuk]

The modern electric and diesel equivalents tend to be of the form BoBo or CoCo etc- which is similar in form to UIC classification.