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Southern 4-6-2 No. 1401: Elegance At The Smithsonian

Published: February 3, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Southern Railway 4-6-2 No. 1401 is more than just a relic of the American railway system. It is a symbol of an era when steam power was at the forefront of transportation innovation and economic expansion in the United States.

No. 1401 was tasked with transporting the company's flagship passenger trains between Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, Georgia. Adorned in a Virginian green and gold livery, No. 1401, along with its fellow Ps-4 locomotives, earned the epithet "First Ladies of the Pacifics" throughout the Southern Railway system.

Initially, these locomotives featured Baker valve gear and alligator crossheads, but they were upgraded in the 1930s with Walschaerts valve gear and in the early 1940s with multiple-bearing crossheads.

In 1945, No. 1401 notably transported the funeral train of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

After being decommissioned from revenue service in 1952, No. 1401 was donated to the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., in 1961 where it serves as a testament to the engineering feats and cultural impact of the railroad industry. It remains on permanent display as the only surviving example of the Southern Railway Ps-4 class.

A present-day view of Southern Railway 4-6-2 #1401 (Ps4) on display at the Smithsonian's Museum of American History. Author's photo.

Evolution and Significance

The 4-6-2 locomotive configuration, also known as the "Pacific" type, was a popular design in the early 20th century. The numbers refer to the wheel arrangement – four leading wheels, six driving wheels, and two trailing wheels. This configuration offered a perfect balance of speed and power, making it ideal for pulling both passenger and freight trains over long distances.

The Pacific type became particularly prominent due to its increased steam capacity and larger firebox, allowing for more efficient fuel use and greater power output. This efficiency was crucial as railways became the backbone of America's transportation network.

In the 1920s, the Southern Railway (SOU) primarily operated Ps-2 class 4-6-2 Light Pacific locomotives, which proved inadequate for managing the longer, heavier passenger trains on the mainline route between Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, Georgia.

Consequently, SOU commissioned the construction of 27 more robust 4-6-2 Heavy Pacific Ps-4 class locomotives, numbered 1366–1392. These locomotives, produced between 1923 and 1924 by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) in Schenectady, New York, were originally adorned in black with golden yellow trim and lettering. The Ps-4s were based on the United States Railroad Administration (USRA) Heavy Pacific model, distinguishing themselves by foregoing the smaller 73-inch (1.854 m) driving wheels, featuring a slightly shorter boiler, an additional firebox combustion chamber, and a Worthington 3-B type feedwater heater. These specifications enabled the Ps-4s to deliver 47,535 pounds-force (lbf) of tractive effort, empowering them to haul 14 passenger cars at speeds of up to 80 mph over SOU's Piedmont terrain.

In 1925, SOU President Fairfax Harrison, inspired by the aesthetic of United Kingdom's London and North Eastern Railway's (LNER) apple-green Gresley A1-class engines, initiated a repainting program for the Ps-4s and other SOU passenger locomotives in a distinctive Virginian green and gold color scheme. This transformation included a second series of twelve locomotives, numbered 1393–1404, constructed during the summer of 1926 by ALCO's Richmond Works in Richmond, Virginia, at $56,419 per unit (equivalent to $777,717 in 2023). These later locomotives incorporated an Elesco feedwater heater instead of the Worthington type, enhancing their performance. The Ps-4s, with their striking green and gold livery, were affectionately dubbed the "First Ladies of the Pacifics" and informally known as the "Harrison Engines." SOU personnel further embellished these locomotives with brass flag holders on their headlights, a brass eagle ornament at the front of their smokebox doors, and brass stars on their cylinder head caps, giving them an elegant and ornate appearance.

In 1928, the Baldwin Locomotive Works (BLW) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, produced the final batch of five Ps-4s, numbered 1405–1409, each costing $57,000 (equivalent to $804,779 in 2023). Unlike the earlier batches, which featured Baker valve gear, the 1928 locomotives were equipped with Walschaerts valve gears. Notably, locomotive No. 1409 was trialed with a Coffin feedwater heater, which was soon replaced by a Worthington SA type in the 1940s.

During the mid to late 1930s, locomotives Nos. 1366–1404 were refitted with Walschaerts valve gears due to SOU mechanical officers' concerns regarding the Baker valve system's potential to reverse at high speeds, posing a risk of damage to the wheels and rails. In the early 1940s, the Ps-4s were upgraded with multiple-bearing crossheads to replace their original alligator crossheads. Furthermore, locomotives Nos. 1366–1409 underwent modifications to incorporate a higher and straighter front running board, accommodating easier access to their cylinders and running gear for crew members tasked with maintaining the mechanical lubrication system. The locomotives' tender coal bunkers were also expanded to increase fuel capacity.

Operational History

The Southern Railway was a major player in the transportation industry, with lines spanning the southeastern United States. 

No. 1401, the forty-sixth unit in the Ps-4 class, was part of the second series constructed in 1926. Initially, it served on the Southern Railway's Atlanta Division, where it was tasked with the important role of hauling prestigious mainline passenger trains such as the Crescent Limited and the Piedmont Limited along the route from Atlanta to Salisbury, North Carolina. During this period, it received maintenance at the Southern Railway's South (Pegram) Shops in Atlanta. Distinctively, by the 1930s, it was the only Ps-4 locomotive to feature a CNO&TP style number plate.

By 1941, the Southern Railway initiated efforts to modernize their foremost passenger trains with the introduction of new EMD E6 diesel locomotives, leading to a reassignment of No. 1401 and its counterparts to operate local passenger services and mail trains along the primary Washington, D.C. to Atlanta line.

In November 1952, No. 1401 was decommissioned after concluding its last service run on the Southern Railway's Danville Division between Salisbury and Monroe, Virginia. Throughout its operational tenure, it had covered approximately 2,000,000 miles. During its retirement phase, rail enthusiast Walter H. Thrall and Washington, D.C. attorney W. Graham Claytor Jr. successfully persuaded Southern Railway President Harry A. DeButts to preserve one of the Ps-4 locomotives. Consequently, the decision was made to donate it to the Smithsonian Institution. On February 10, 1953, No. 1401 was selected for preservation and was transported to Alexandria, Virginia, to be housed at the Henry Street Yard pending the Smithsonian's determination. By 1955, the Smithsonian formally acquired No. 1401, announcing its display in the newly established Museum of History and Technology.

Journey to the Smithsonian

In 1961, the Smithsonian Institution recognized the need to preserve America's industrial heritage and selected Southern Railway No. 1401 for display. Its inclusion in the museum's exhibition marked the beginning of a renewed interest in the cultural and historical importance of railroads in America.

Transporting such a massive piece of machinery to the museum was no small feat. The process involved meticulous planning and engineering to move the locomotive through the streets of Washington, D.C., to its new home.

Once there, No. 1401 became a centerpiece in the museum's "America on the Move" exhibit, which opened in November 1964. The exhibit explores the impact of transportation on American society, economy, and culture.

Engineering Marvels and Design Features

No. 1401 is an impressive example of early 20th-century engineering. The locomotive's boiler generates steam to power the pistons, turning the driving wheels and propelling the locomotive forward. It could reach speeds of up to 80 miles per hour, demonstrating the potency of its design.

The 4-6-2 configuration allowed for a more balanced distribution of weight, providing stability at high speeds. The large driving wheels contributed to its efficient power output, while the trailing wheels supported the massive firebox, essential for maintaining high steam production.

In addition to its performance capabilities, No. 1401 is a visually captivating machine. Its dark green body is accented with gold and white stripes, a classic design that reflects the Southern Railway's aesthetic sensibilities. This attention to detail underscores the role of locomotives not just as functional machines, but as symbols of progress and modernity.

Cultural and Historical Legacy

Southern Railway No. 1401 is more than just a steam engine; it embodies a pivotal era in American history. Its presence at the Smithsonian serves as a reminder of how the railroad industry shaped the nation. Railroads revolutionized transportation, making it possible to travel across vast distances with unprecedented speed and efficiency. They played a critical role in the economic development of the United States, facilitating trade and migration.

Moreover, the story of No. 1401 is intrinsically linked with social changes. The locomotive represents the democratization of travel, as railroads made it easier for people from different backgrounds to move freely across the country. Rail transportation also influenced social interactions and cultural exchanges, contributing to a more interconnected society.

Educational and Inspiring

For students, historians, and visitors, Southern Railway No. 1401 provides an educational journey into America's industrial past. The locomotive offers insights into technological advancements and their broader societal impacts. It highlights the challenges and triumphs of engineering during a period of rapid industrial growth.

Furthermore, No. 1401 inspires future generations of engineers and innovators. Its story encourages curiosity about the evolution of technology and transportation and inspires a deeper understanding of how these advancements continue to shape our lives today.

Data Sheet

Southern Railway 4-6-2 No. 1401, displayed at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, is an invaluable artifact of American heritage. As a work of engineering, it exemplifies the technological prowess and ambition of the steam era. As a cultural icon, it narrates the story of a nation in transit, driven by innovation and exploration.

The legacy of No. 1401 continues as it educates, informs, and inspires visitors from around the world. It stands as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of railroads in shaping the United States, reminding us of an age when the whistle of a steam engine was the sound of progress.