The J-4a class of 1951 was followed by the J-4b class, delivered by Lima Locomotive Works in 1953. These six locomotives, numbered 5490-5495, had poppet valves like the lone S-2 Niagara, No. 5500, whereas the first group retained Baker motion. Along with a handful of Consolidations in transfer service in the Buffalo area and a few ex-Pennsylvania I-1 Decapods, eleven of the J-4s of both classes lasted into the Penn Central era where they were renumbered to 800-810. (If anyone has a photo of one of them with the Penn Central "pretzel" herald on the centipede-style tender, I would be grateful.)

A New York Central "Fantasy Steam" Feature