Lehigh Valley RR K5B Pacific

Known as "The Route of the Black Diamond" the Lehigh Valley Railroad was a northeastern line known primarily for hauling hard, pure anthracite coal which made up the backbone of its traffic. The railroad di feature several crack passenger trains and "The John Wilkes" was one. The train was pulled by a streamlined 4-6-2 pacific locomotive which was styled by famed industrial designer Otto Kuhler. Although a similar locomotive pulled the lines flagship "Black Diamond" train, the streamlined design was one of a kind. This print shows "The John Wilkes" in operation circa 1939, its inaugural year.