Lima Locomotive Works introduced the new concept of "Super Power" in the 1920s, thanks to Lima's mechanical engineer William E. Woodward. Woodard defined "Super Power" as "horsepower at speed". Previous design principles had emphasized tractive effort (pulling ability) rather than speed. By making a number of significant changes to maximize a steam locomotive's capacity to generate and utilize steam, Woodard designed a locomotive significantly more powerful and faster. Built in the spring of 1925, the first Berkshire demonstrator was dubbed the A-1. After a highly successful series of tests in the mid-1920s she was sent around the country to make the idea of "Super Power" known. The Lima A-1 demonstrator was later sold to the Illinois Central as part of an order for 50 similar locomotives. Her original ICRR number was 7050. She was renumbered to 8049 in December of 1941 and carried that number to her demise at the Kaplan scrap yard in suburban Chicago in 1954. This one should have been preserved.
A collection of engines, cabooses, cars, etc., great and small that are past their prime, but represent a spirit of railroading that will never pass away!!
