4800 was the first locomotive in the SERL’s ML-2 class of 2-8-4 Berkshires. The ML-2 was the second class for the SERL’s mainline locomotives, built by Huntington-Field Locomotive Works. Its drivewheels have a 70 inch diameter, and the locomotive has a weight of 450,000 pounds, totaling up to 875,000 pounds, being one of the largest Berkshires around. It has a 25,000 pound water capacity and a 50,000 pound fuel capacity. Its firebox area is 95 square feet. The top speed of the ML-2 was 80 miles an hour. The ML-2 succeeded the ML-1 class of 4-6-4 Hudsons, and was the predecessor of the ML-3 class of 4-8-4s. 15 ML-2s were built from February 1941 to July 1943 by Lima, and only one survived the war, this being 4800. On November 18th, 1943, SERL’s yard in Los Angeles was bombed, and 14 ML-2s were destroyed. 4800 survived, as she was testing a route that would be used to move the ML-2s to Washington. If this was done a few weeks prior, the ML-2 class would’ve been saved. Along with the ML-2s, 10 ML-1 Hudsons were destroyed, 2 other ML-1s were also damaged, 1 ML-3 Northern was destroyed, number 4820, and 5 YD-7 Mikados were destroyed. Today, 4800 is owned by the NSPRRM, running excursion services every few months, and even helps out on freight services sometimes.
