The development department of the Pennsylvania Railroad announces the design of the U1 - a new turbine-powered steam locomotive with the wheel arrangement of 4 (Lead)-4-4-4-4 (Trailing), making it the largest locomotive on the PRR, and the largest locomotive in the United States, other than the "Big Boy" on the Union Pacific Railroad. The locomotive was a huge success, and helped decide whether the PRR would stay with the steam locomotive or go to the new E3A locomotive from EMD. Production of the locomotive is delayed due to a small fire in the locomotive shops in Altoona Works on January 16th.