Reading RR 4-4-0 No. 3
Philadelphia, PA, United States 		Location: Franklin Institute
Status: Display
Posted: Jan 31, 2015 @ 12:01:20 by Steve Frost
The earliest surviving American 4-4-0, but little is known with certainty about its early days. This is a pity because it is a very significant loco. What is known is that the Reading ordered a dozen or so locos from three different builders, two of which came from Eastwick and Harrison in 1842.

After the Reading it had a career in industry from sometime in the 1850s until 1873, when it passed to the People's Railway that ran for four and a half miles between Pottsville and Minersville PA. Here it became No 3 and was owned by them until 1923 when the Reading reacquired it. In 1933 it was made available to the Franklin Institute.

Michael R Bailey's 2014 book 'Loco Motion' is a good source on early locos, but, despite extensive research, neither he nor anyone else has ascertained its origins.

Posted: Nov 26, 2007 @ 14:11:52 by Ben W
There is more information on the engine at http://www.readingrailroad.org/profiles/rdg_profile_steam_pr3.html
Posted: Mar 5, 2004 @ 21:03:14 by Edward Madl

This engine could possibly be the "J. E. THAYER" Built by Eastwick & Harrison in 1842. Known Dimensions are: Cylinders: 12.2; Drivers: 43 and Total Weight: 28125. 

The Engine was sold in 1847 to an unknown buyer