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The Pennsylvania Railroad's class I1s steam locomotives were the largest class of 2-10-0 "Decapods" built in the United States, with 598 built 1916–1923 (Altoona: 123, Baldwin: 475). These locomotives were the premier freight locomotive type on the system until World War II, and they remained in service until the end of PRR steam in 1957. Nicknames for the type included Decs and Hippos, the latter possibly from the fat boiler.
Subclass I1sa increased maximum steam cut-off to admit steam for 78% of the piston stroke, rather than the standard 50%. This boosted low speed tractive effort from 90,000 to 96,000 lbf (400 to 427 kN). There was no obvious external difference except for a revised builders' plate. I1s locomotives were converted to I1sa during major overhaul. 489 were converted, while 109 remained as built.
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