Class B2
Description
[edit | edit source]The KdNS Type C'n2 Class B2, also known as the Class B2, is an 0-6-0 derivative of the 4-4-0 Class B locomotive. It's a locomotive added for mostly diversity purposes, costing $23,652. Weighing in at 31.5 tons, the Class B2 is slower than the Class B due to a lack of leading wheels and smaller drivers but boasts greater adhesion due to all of its weight being placed on the drivers as well as having an additional driver. With high adhesion as well as boasting a high tractive effort of 32446, the Class B2 is an excellent engine for hauling heavy loads at medium speeds or hauling loads up steep grades.
Usage of the Class B2 will require a Tender for fueling the locomotive as it does not have any on board coal storage.
Trivia
[edit | edit source]- It is stronger than the Class B, but slower by half due to lacking leading wheels.
- It is roughly the same size as the Class J2.
- The Class B2 is heavily based on a real locomotive class, the kkStB 135 built in 1871.
- The Class B2's center pair of driving wheels are blind, lacking wheel flanges and guide spheres to allow the engine to take sharper turns without derailing.
- According to GregTame, the long, unsupported length of the Class B's boiler resulted in the flues and boiler warping which directly led to the development of the improved Class B2. The Class B2 was made by taking an angle grinder to the boiler and making it a few feet shorter, adding a cab, and replacing the leading wheels with an extra pair of drivers.