K.P.E.V. T3 In 1881, the Prussian State Railways ordered their first T-3 locomotives not knowing that this classic design was destined to become world famous. To many railfans, the thought of the T-3's silhouette still conjures up romantic visions of lonely branch line operations with the tiny locomotive hauling a string of four wheeled coaches into yesteryear. While it may be difficult to pinpoint exactly what endears the T-3 to railfans, there is no doubt that the locomotive's reliability and operating characteristics endeared it to both its engineers and owners. A total of 1550 T-3s were built between 1881 and 1906 with 1345 of these going to the Prussian State Railways. The remainder were used on privately owned lines in both Europe and abroad. The T-3's reputation was based on her simple yet ingenious design. The boiler was exceptionally efficient and generated fairly dry steam in spite of not having a superheater. The firebox grate area, originally 1.2 square meters was later increased to 1.35 square meters; the firebox squeezed in nicely between the the last set of drivers. The 1100mm diameter drive wheels were supported at three points making the locomotive quite stable. The ancient Allan valve gear was almost humorous in its operation but did its job well. However, time eventually caught up with the T-3; when branch line speed limits were raised from 40 km/hr to 50 km/hr her speed capability of only 45 km/hr relegated her to yard duties for the remainder of her career.
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