The locomotive No 691 was among the most powerful steam engines to be built in Italy

Going Full Steam Ahead at 130 km/h
Following in America's footsteps, in the early 20th century a type of locomotive was used throughout Europe's major railways. Being akin to the American version, it was named Pacific. Locomotives of this type were most efficient. That is why the Italian Pacific, the locomotive No 690, was designed by the Italian railways under the supervision of Ing. Riccardo Bianchi, and built by Milan's Breda. The locomotive No 691 was derived from its forerunner except for the boiler being a modified version of the model fitted to the locomotive No 746/747. 33 locomotives of the No 691 version were manufactured – the first being produced in 1928, and the last in 1934. The 1934 version featured an upgraded boiler capable of superheating to a temperature of 400°.
 
 

In action
The locomotive No 691 served the Milano and Bologna Railway first, then the Milano and Venezia Railway. The trains would stop at least once for refilling with water and coke. The locomotive No 691 was among the most powerful steam engines. Both its imposing appearance and the high speed it managed to attain along some rail links are legendary. Speeding along the Verona and Vicenza Railway at 150 km/h was no mean achievement. After being used for hauling speed trains, it was phased out in the 1960's.
 
 

Technical specifications
Superheated-steam simple engine. It had four cylinders: two inside, and two outside. Outside timing gears of the Walshaert type. Three coupled axles. Two-axle front leading truck. Rear bearing axle. Weight of the locomotive in action: 94.6 tons – Maximum power: 1,750 hp at 90 km/h – Top speed: 130 km/h – Diameter of driving wheels: 2,030 mm – Capacities: water tank 29 tons; coke tank 5.5 tons.