Having been brought up with a multitude of steam locomotive designs in England, it was a surprise when I discovered how few different designs the Soviet Union produced. But those few designs were produced in massive numbers. Because designs were used over a long period, sub-classes did arise as technical improvements were introduced but, in general, having adopted a configuration, they would stick with it.
I was even more surprised to discover that thousands of steam locomotives were, in fact imported into Russia. Having grown up during the Cold War, I found it very odd to learn that America and Canada supplied freight locomotives to Russia. During the First World War, the motive power situation in Russia became critical and Baldwin, Alco and the Canadian Locomotive Company supplied a 2-10-0 for heavy freight. Then, during WWII, Alco and Baldwin supplied over 2,000 locomotives of a very similar design via the USA Transportation Corps as part of Lend-Lease.
This class became known (in Romanised form) as the 'YeA', where the 'A' stands for 'Amerikanski'. The WWII locomotives had a number of changes compared with the original locomotives including an improved chassis design and changes to the cab, chimney and steam dome. In addition, the railings around the foot-framing, so characteristic of many Russian locomotives, were omitted. There were at least two sub-classes: 'YeM' ('M' for 'Modernised' with an improved piston design) and 'YeMV' with a feed water heater. For technical specifications, refer to Reference 1.
I saw my first 'YeA', number 2027, in Ukraine in 2005 when I went with my friend Mike on a steam driving holiday which is briefly described here and with a set of pictures (including the 'YeA') here. The plan was that we should drive the 'YeA' and the shed staff at Kolomiya had carried out an urgent re-tubing to bring the locomotive back into service. Sadly, following this work, the shed staff couldn't cure a leaking tube problem in time and I only saw the engine in light steam. The shed staff were almost in tears at their inability to complete the work in time.
It was to be 2012 and my Trans-Siberian trip before I found another 'YeA', this time 'plinthed' in Ulaan Baatar Train Museum in Mongolia. My pictures of this Museum and its 'YeA' are here.
Later in that trip, I found another 'YeA' (without a running number) at Polovina on Lake Baikal. There's a small collection of photographs here.
Finally, in the Rolling Stock Museum at Novosibirsk, I found 'YeA' number 3078. Pictures of this locomotive are included in the set here.
References:
Reference 1: 'Soviet Locomotive Types - The Union Legacy' by A J Heywood & I D C Button (Frank Stenvalls Forlag) ISBN 0-9525202-0-6.
