A class of heavy steam locomotive featuring two pilot wheels, eight driving wheels, and four trailing wheels. The four-wheel trailing truck was designed to support a massive firebox, generating immense steam capacity for high-speed freight service. They were named after the mountain range where they first proved their pulling power.
Heard on the job
The museum is restoring an old Berkshire to pull the autumn excursion trains over the grade.
Insider tip
The name comes from the Boston and Albany Railroad testing the first 2-8-4s in the Berkshire Hills.