The NC&StL's class J-2 4-8-4s, delivered by American Locomotive Company in 1930, were the first of that type in the South and therefore were called "Dixies" rather than "Northerns." Their design was derived from that of the USRA light Mountain type. The J-2 class soon acquired the nickname "Gliders" because of their easy handling on curves, attributable to the lateral-motion axle boxes on the first two driver sets. Their 70-inch drivers were suitable for the NC&StL's mountainous territory; they had cylinder dimensions of 25x30 inches and sustained a boiler pressure of 250 p.s.i. Their locomotive weight was 381,000 pounds, and they produced 56,920 pounds of tractive force. Evaporative heating surface totaled 4193 square feet, superheater surface 1782 square feet, and grate area nearly 77½ square feet. No. 566 was chosen for this ALCo builder's photo, acquired via eBay.