Engine 39 FAQs

The Pennsylvania Railroad, known as “the standard railroad of the world,” needed a specialized steam locomotive for commuter service.
Designed in 1924 by chief mechanical engineer William Kiesel as a 4-6-0 “ten-wheeler.”
First Pennsylvania Railroad locomotive of that wheel configuration in over two decades.
Created by placing the boiler of an E6s Atlantic on a new 4-6-0 chassis.
Considered the largest ten-wheelers ever built.
Weighed over 108 tons, depending on coal and water stored.
Designed without trailing trucks, allowing drivers to sit directly under the heavy Belpaire firebox. That changed the axle spacing – last driver farther back.
Drive wheels placement below firebox increased tractive effort to approximately 41,328 lbs.
Designed for quick acceleration and braking—ideal for commuter service.
90 G5s locomotives built for the Pennsylvania Railroad, plus 31 more for the Long Island Railroad (LIRR).
Originally created for Pittsburgh service, earning the nickname “The Pittsburgh Engine.”
Became Pennsylvania’s premier commuter locomotive and main passenger engine on the LIRR.

Long Island Railroad Service

G5s locomotives (#20–50) arrived between 1924–1929, replacing aging steam locomotives.
First new PRR steam locomotives ever received by the LIRR.
Served over 30 years on daily commuter trains across Long Island and into New York City.
Steam service ended in 1955.
“Operation Changeover” on October 8, 1955, marked the official switch from steam to diesel.
LIRR G5s #35 and #39 each pulled a coach of Dignitaries and Boy Scouts from opposite ends of Long Island.
The two trains met at Hicksville Station to commemorate steam’s long service.
Afterward, Alco RS-3 diesels took the coaches home, and #35 and #39 double-headed back to Morris Park.
Event marked the official end of G5s service.
Both #35 and #39 survived into preservation.

Preserved G5s Locomotives

Pennsylvania Railroad #5741: On static display at the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum in Strasburg, PA, near the Strasburg Rail Road.
LIRR #35: Located in Oyster Bay, NY, cared for by the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum; undergoing a cosmetic restoration allowing mobility for display.
LIRR #39:
- Boiler located at Strasburg Rail Road, awaiting funds for restoration by Strasburg Mechanical Services.
- Chassis, wheels, smoke box door, cab, and tender located in Riverhead, NY, under the Railroad Museum of Long Island (RMLI).
- Will be restored and operated under RMLI ownership at Strasburg Rail Road once funds are raised.

Restoration Effort

Restoration goal: $1.5 million by 2030 to return #39 to operational condition.
Fund: “Steam Up LIRR 39.”
Public contributions encouraged to help bring #39 back to life for excursion service.

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