What do these numbers mean. I think #4402 is the locomotive number but what does 4-8-4 mean?

Question

What do these numbers mean. I think #4402 is the locomotive number but what does 4-8-4 mean?

Answer 1

I don't know what type of locomotive you refer to, but the 4-8-4 is the wheel layout or position.  4 Wheels in the front, 8 drive or center wheels and four followers.

This was generally used to designate the size and configuration of the steam locomotives.

Answer 2

Yes, I agree with Hemi Cuda.

In NYC, near the door of subways cars, it indicate what kind of fleet and what manufacturer it designed by.

Answer 3

Yes #4402 is the number of the locomotive. Which means nothing in relation as to the classification of the type of locomotive that it is.

A 4-8-4 locomotive has four leading wheels, eight coupled driving wheels and four trailing wheels.

first number is always lead wheels (bogies)

second number is always drive wheels

last number is alway trailing wheels (bogies)

This type of clasification was only used on Steam Locomotives as the first and last numbers are the bogies centred by springs that help to guide the locomotive through curves, as the drive wheels cannot.

This actually where the fighter pilot term "bogie" originates from, they are always in front or behind.

hope that sums it up.

Answer 4

If I remember this correctly, 4-8-4 refers to the configuration of the wheels.

Answer 5

Good answers.

Additionally, the 4-8-4's were known as General Service (GS) locomotives, but with their tall drivers (some as large as 80") they were best suited for passenger service, although this class did haul lots of freight in their time.

Most commonly called a "Northern", they have also been referred to as "Dixies" or "Greenbriers".  Perhaps the most well known of these beasts is the UP 844 and the SP 4449, bedecked in its original Daylight livery after service during the bi-centennial painted in the red, white and blue Freedom Train colors.

I have been privileged enough to "pilot" the engine crews on both of these beauties.  Once was when the 844 (re-numbered 8444 at the time) traveled from Cheyenne, Wyoming to Sacramento for the California State Railroad Museum's grand opening in 1981.  I piloted the 4449 during its trip to the Olympics.

Hands down the two best trips I ever made...

If you wish, just click on my smiling face and navigate to my 360 here and check the blog post of 3-10-07.  There is a list of all wheel arrangements built for USA railroads as well as those who have "names", like Northern, Consolidation, Challenger, Allegheny, etc., as well as other information.

Answer 6

The White Classification System from the 19th Century classifies steam locomotives by the wheel arrangement.  There are many different arrangements, types and names.

The best overall source for you to look at is http://www.steamlocomotive.com.

Have fun