ASTER, CA. 1982

The New York Central made railroad history when they christened the first Hudson in Schenectady, New York in February 1927. This was the first locomotive to use a 4-6-4 wheel arrangement. A total of 276 Hudsons were built between 1927 and 1931 by the American Locomotive Company. These locomotives pulled the "Great Steel Fleet" on the Water Level Route, and became the namesake of the Hudson River where they proved their ability as passenger traffic burgeoned, and their reliability enhanced the Centrals reputation as the foremost passenger carrier in the nation. Twenty-five (25) J1c locomotives were built in 1928-1929. The building of #5265 was completed in December 1928, it was retired from service in April 1953.