After seeing the success of compound locomotives designed by Alfred de Glehn in use on various French railways, the Pennsylvania believed that such a design could inspire their engineers and so decided to purchase one of de Glehn's designs. While the engine would be grouped with the class E locomotives as it was a 4-4-2 arrangement, it did not receive a formal classification, as it was a single experimental design.
The engine was displayed as one of the PRR System exhibits at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in 1904. It was also tested on one of the other exhibits, the Locomotive Testing Plant, which was installed at St. Louis to show its contribution to the advancement of the science of locomotive engineering. The de Glehn was tested with seven other types of locomotive chosen to cover a variety in the essential principles of design.[2] The performance of the de Glehn, as measured on the Test Plant, was used for comparison with later PRR locomotive classes such as the K29 and K2SA.[3]
The de Glehn was found to be too light for use by the PRR[4][page needed] and saw little service beyond their shops. The engine was retired by 1912, and scrapped.[5]
^Westing, F. Apex of the Atlantic. Kalmbach Books.
^"The Pennsylvania Railroad System At The Louisiana Purchase Exposition" Locomotive Tests and Exhibits, St. Louis Missouri, 1904, First Edition, The Pennsylvania Railroad Company 1905, Chapter X - Selection of Locomotives
^"Pennsylvania Railroad Company"Locomotive Testing Plant At Altoona, Penna, Bulletin Nos. 19 (1912) and 18 (1914)
^Staufer, Alvin F.; Pennypacker, Bert (1962). Pennsy Power: Steam And Electric Locomotives of the Pennsylvania Railroad 1900-1957. Staufer. LCCN62-20878.
^"Locomotive for Experiment, Pennsylvania Railroad". Railway Master Mechanic: 42–46. February 1906.
