Italian 4-6-2 steam loco painting

By J. Craig Thorpe. "This painting was originally published on the Republic of the Marshall Islands First Day Cover for the 55c Italian 4-6-2 stamp issued 23 August 1996. From 1928 to 1933, the Italian State Railway or Ferrovie dello Stato (FS) constructed the Group 691s, the largest Italian passenger locomotives ever built Group 691s were also among the last Italian steam engines constructed, since none were built for domestic use after the 1930s. Group 691 boilers were interchangeable with those of Group 746 freight engines and the sandbox was located around the steam dome -- a common feature of Italian locomotives. Though powerful, a 19 ton axle-load limited the 691's range to a few main lines including Venice to Rome and Venice to Udine. Although Italy was among the first countries to use diesel and electric locomotives due in part to abundant hydro power and Italy's proximity to oil supplies -- steam locomotives continued to play an important role in that country well into the 1970s. Only 33 Group 691s were built and their longevity is a testimony to the simple and efficient design."