J. Craig Thorpe (American, B. 1948) "Pennsylvania Locomotive" Signed lower left. Original Oil painting on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which appeared on the Fleetwood Legendary Locomotives of the 50 States Pennsylvania Commemorative Cover postmarked May 29, 1995. On May 29, 1914, the prototype of one of the most successful mass-produced passenger locomotives ever built in America rolled out of the Pennsylvania Railroad's Juniata Works to make its first test run -- No. 1737, the premier K4s class engine. Time after time, these 4-6-2 locomotives met the challenge of handling some of the Pennsy's most severe traffic demands. A single K4s engine, for example, was capable of hauling 13 to 18 steel cars with an average weight of 50 to 60 tons each -- even at speeds over 90 miles per hour. When No. 1737 was pitted against other passenger locomotives at the famed Altoona test plant, it outperformed every engine in power development by using its fuel more efficiently than any other locomotive tested. In fact, the engine's design was so sound that all the K4s locomotives constructed from 1914 to 1928 were built to essentially the same specifications. Another attribute was their versatility. K4s engines served in main line, secondary commuter and branch line duty. Among the main line flagship trains powered by this class of locomotives were the Broadway Limited, The General, The Admiral, "The Spirit of St. Louis," the Congressional Limited and the Liberty Limited. Some K4s engines continued to serve until November 1957, when the Pennsylvania Railroad ended its use of steam-powered locomotives. No. 1737 is shown here during its break-in run from Altoona to Gallitzin via the landmark Horseshoe Curve. Image Size: 14 x 12 in. Overall Size: 18 x 15 in. Unframed. (B15104)