OK, I knew I was going to be challenged on that statement. The way I understand it is the 1930 ICC order for installing stokers mandating the application of mechanical stokers. HT stokers ( some had duplex) were first installed in larger firebox engines like Mountains, Decks, and Santa Fe types, then K4's, and identical boilered L1 2-8-2's. In 1930 depression, money was tight, and would get stokers when shopped. For many, they were hand fired until the end. ( of their service life) Even though mandated, Pennsy couldn't cover all the engines at once, and many never got their turn. And of course, the ones without were usually the first retired. Maybe my guesstimate of only approx. 10% had stokers added is low, But I haven't read the whole fleet had them installed.
What is your source that the whole fleet had them?
