The L1s is a class of 2-8-2 steam locomotives that was developed in 1914 to replace the H9s-class. The L1s used boilers identical to the ones eventually used for Pennsylvania Railroad's famed K4s-class steam locomotives.[2] Most L1s locomotives were moved to other duties when the I1s was introduced in 1924.
History[]
520 was built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in December 1916. While pulling freight from Altoona, Pennsylvania, to Conway, Pennsylvania, on November 14, 1942, during World War 2 the boiler on 520 exploded near Cresson.[3] The explosion killed both the engineer and the brakeman, injured the fireman and conductor, and shattered windows on a nearby house.[4] Two occupants of the house were also injured by scalding water and flying embers, which also set a rug on fire. The force of the blast derailed the tender and six tank cars.[4] 520 was eventually repaired and placed back into service.