Pennsylvania Railroad 520

Pennsylvania Railroad 520 is a steam-powered freight locomotive displayed at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg. It features the distinctive two-driving-wheel arrangement at the front and eight larger wheels in the middle that powered the engine forward.

Built in 1916 by Baldwin Locomotive Works, this engine served as a freight locomotive for many years. A major boiler failure in 1942 during World War II operations ended its working life on the rails.

The locomotive tells a story about how American railroads operated and the engineering choices of its era. When you walk around it, you can observe how form and function came together in freight transportation.

The locomotive is kept as a static display that you can view from outside and walk around at your own pace. The museum setting makes it easy to examine the engine up close and understand how it was built and operated.

This engine carries the marks of World War II operations, having failed catastrophically in 1942 while working hard for the war effort. It survives as a reminder of how railroads were pushed to their limits during that period.

Location: Pennsylvania

Part of: Pennsylvania Railroad L1s

GPS coordinates: 39.98222,-76.16111

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:06