The Prussian P 4 was a derivative of the P 4.1 (Hanover variant) and the second superheated steam locomotive in the world.

Prussian P 4
Type and origin
BuilderHenschel
Build date1898
Total produced1
Specifications
Configuration:
 • Whyte4-4-0
 • UIC2'B h2
 • GermanP 24.45
Gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in)
Coupled dia.1,750 mm
Carrying wheel diameter1,000 mm
Wheelbase:
 • Overall7,400 mm
Length:
 • Over beams16,411 mm
Axle load15.5 t
Adhesive weight31.0 t
Empty weight44.6 t
Service weight49.1 t
Water cap.15.0 m3
Boiler:
No. of heating tubes141
No. of smoke tubes1 fire tube
Boiler pressure12 bar
Heating surface:
 • Firebox2.32 m2
 • Radiative8.9 m2
 • Tubes76.2 m2
 • Evaporative85.1 m2
Superheater:
 • Heating area21.0 m2
Cylinders2
Cylinder size460 mm
Piston stroke600 mm
Performance figures
Maximum speed90 km/h
Indicated power675 kW (900 PS)
Career
Retired1921

Design

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The engine was based on that of the Class P 4.1 that had Hanomag had produced in large numbers since 1892. It had slightly larger wheels and, due to its new design, significantly fewer heating tubes. The superheater and the steam engine were entirely independent designs.

Service and preservation

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In 1898 a one-off was delivered by Hanomag to the Prussian state railways. The economy of the superheated system was soon proven in 1899 by the engine during trial runs from Kassel. Apart from a short stay at Halle the engine was assigned to Kassel as Cassel 131 and, from 1906, as P 4 Cassel 1846. In 1921, after the First World War, the engine was mothballed, along with many other machines of similar class. With its sectioned boiler the P 4 stood for a long time in the Transport and Construction Museums, part of Museum of the Present at Hamburger Bahnhof in Berlin[clarification needed].

See also

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References

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  • Wagner, Andreas; Bäzold, Dieter; Zschech, Rainer; Lüderitz, Ralph (1990). Lokomotiven preußischer Eisenbahnen, Schnellzug- und Personenzuglokomotiven (EFA 2.3.1) (in German). Düsseldorf: Alba. pp. 271–272, 329. ISBN 3-87094-133-2.
  • Wagner, Andreas; Bäzold, Dieter; Zschech, Rainer (1997). Lokomotiv-Archiv Preußen Band 4. Augsburg: Bechtermünz. ISBN 3-86047-573-8.