Virginian Class SA #4
Manufacturer: Baldwin Locomotive Works, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1910
Quantity built: 5
Wheel arrangement: 0-8-0
Driver diameter: 51 inches
Tractive effort: 45,200 pounds-force (lbf)
Length: 64 feet
Weight: 182,300 pounds (lbs.)
Cylinders: 22 inches by 28 inches
Boiler pressure: 200 pounds per square inch (psi)
Speed: 10 miles per hour (mph)
Virginian Railway Class SA #4, also known as "Four Spot," is an eight wheel switcher. It was built in August 1910 for the Virginian Railway and was one of five of this class built for the railroad between 1909 and 1910. It is the only Virginian steam locomotive to survive today.
This engine has 22 inch by 28 inch cylinders. The 51 inch drivers are typical of this type of heavy switcher. This class of locomotive operated in a wide range of settings, from Class I railroads to industrial yards.
The tender has a capacity of 5,000 gallons of water and 10 tons of coal. The tender alone weighs 111,400 pounds when fully loaded.
After retiring from service in 1957, #4 was given to the City of Princeton, West Virginia, where it went on display in front of the Mercer County Court House. Unfortunately, exposure to the weather and vandalism led
this page online
The #4 was traded to N&W for a caboose in 1960. It was refurbished by the N&W Shops and placed in the Museum in 1963.
Erected by Virginia Museum of Transportation, Inc.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical month for this entry is August 1910.
Location. 37° 16.385′ N, 79° 56.807′ W. Marker is in Roanoke, Virginia. It is in Downtown. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Norfolk Avenue Southwest and 3rd Street Southwest, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 303 Norfolk Ave SW, Roanoke VA 24016, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Virginian Railway Caboose #321 (here, next to this marker); Mining Train (a few steps from this marker); Norfolk & Western EMD GP9 #521 (within shouting distance of this marker); Norfolk & Western ALCO C630 Diesel-Electric #1135 (within shouting distance of this marker); Norfolk & Western EMD SD45 #1776 (within shouting distance of this marker); Whitcomb 30DM31 Diesel Switcher (within shouting distance of this marker); Norfolk Southern Research Car #31 (within shouting distance of this marker); Celanese Porter Fireless #1 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Roanoke.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 30, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 188 times since then and 29 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on April 30, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
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