Athearn HO 2-6-0 Steam Locomotive, MEC #247

Athearn HO 2-6-0 Steam Locomotive, MEC #247 Overview

Under the Whyte notation for the classification of steam locomotives, 2-6-0 represents the wheel arrangement of two leading wheels on one axle, usually in a leading truck, six powered and coupled driving wheels on three axles, and no trailing wheels. This arrangement is commonly called a Mogul.

The 2-6-0 was a modification of the common 4-4-0 design of the 1860s, and served alongside of it for many years. With 75% of the loco's weight on the drivers, the 2-6-0 was at home pulling both freight and passenger trains, although the relatively small grate area imposed by the lack of a trailing truck limited its range and steaming capacity. Still, it found a home on branch lines and secondary runs up until the end of steam on some roads.