There are some interesting items in this photo. In addition to the huge (front) low press cylinders and the smoke deflector, look how the rear sand dome on top of the boiler is not as tall as the front sand dome is and also how the rear sand dome straddles the boiler a lot further down the side of the boiler. The tank car behind the tender looks like it has a neat walkway built over the top of the tank car as well for the brakeman to walk on. Possibly an aux tender??
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@Jeff Sell, your observations led me to do a little research. It turns out this locomotive was originally a class Y2a built by the Norfolk and Western in 1924. (The locomotive's tender hints at its origins) These engines were equipped with 25''x32'' high pressure cylinders and 39''x32'' low pressure cylinders and 240 lbs of boiler pressure. I could not find any explanation for the rear sand dome being so sloped down and straddling the boiler. N&W sent 15 Y2as to the Rio Grande in the Spring of 1943 to assist with wartime traffic, with the 3554 having arrived in June. Sources - steamlocomotive.com and "Guide to North American Steam Locomotives" by George Drury.
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Patrick - thanks for the research data. This locomotive certainly has a unique look to her and an interesting linage!
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Amazing how little this scene has changed. Great addition here thank you.
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