Southern Pacific 8

Southern Pacific 8 is a 4-6-0 "Ten-Wheeler" type narrow-gauge steam locomotive, built in 1907 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works (BlW).

Southern Pacific 8
No. 8 on display at Carson City, Nevada on February 19, 1975
Type and origin Power type Steam Builder Baldwin Locomotive Works Serial number 31445 Model 10-26 D 217 Build date 1907
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 4-6-0  • UIC 2′C Gauge 3 ft (914 mm) Driver dia. 44 in (1.118 m) Loco weight 81,000 pounds (37 t) Fuel type Bunker C fuel oil Boiler pressure 180 lbf/in2 (1.24 MPa) Cylinders Two, outside Cylinder size 16 in × 20 in (406 mm × 508 mm)
Performance figures Tractive effort 17,800 lbf (79.18 kN)
Career Operators Nevada–California–Oregon Railway Southern Pacific Company Numbers NCO 8 SP 8 Retired 1954 Disposition On static display

It was originally built for the Nevada–California–Oregon Railway (NCO) as their second No. 8, and was sold to Southern Pacific (SP) in 1929. She spent the rest of its career hauling passengers and freight along Southern Pacific's Keeler Branch. The locomotive, along with sisters 9 and #18 were nicknamed "The Desert Princesses", having served the desert areas of Nevada and California.^[1]

In 1954, an GE 50 Ton diesel locomotive was purchased, relegating steam power on the Southern Pacific's narrow-gauge line to backup duty. Locomotive #8 was retired in 1955 after 48 years of service and donated to the State of Nevada. Now owned by the Nevada State Railroad Museum (NSRM), it has been on display at Lillard Park at Sparks, Nevada since 1975 after negotiations of a long-term loan.^[2]

See also

• Southern Pacific 9
• Southern Pacific 18