Baldwin RF-16
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 Delaware and Hudson Railroad #1216, a Baldwin Model RF-16 originally built in 1952 for the New York Central. RF-16s featured fabricated frames, and could be visually distinguished from the Baldwin DR-4-4-15 by the fact that the side body panels only extend down as far as the frame. Additionally, the fuel fill did not penetrate the side panels. |
|
| Power type | Diesel |
|---|---|
| Builder | Baldwin Locomotive Works |
| Model | RF-16 |
| Build date | November 1950 — May 1953 |
| Total production | 160 |
| AAR wheel arr. | B-B |
| Gauge | 1435 mm (4 ft 8½ in) |
| Length | 54 ft 4 in (16.55 m) |
| Total weight | 266,000 lb (121,000 kg) |
| Prime mover | Baldwin 608A |
| Engine type | 2-stroke diesel |
| Aspiration | Turbocharger |
| Displacement | 15,832 in³ (259.4 L) |
| Cylinders | Inline 8 |
| Cylinder size | 12.75 in × 15.55 in (324 mm × 394 mm) |
| Transmission | DC generator, DC traction motors |
| Power output | 1,600 hp (1,194 kW) |
| Tractive effort | 43,000 lbf (192 kN) |
| Locomotive brakes | Straight air |
| Train brakes | Air |
| Locale | North America |
The Baldwin RF-16 was a 1,600-horsepower (1,194 kW) cab unit-type diesel locomotive built for freight service by the Baldwin Locomotive Works between 1950 and 1953. Essentially an extension of the Baldwin DR-4-4-15 program, the RF-16 was produced solely in the "Sharknose" body style (referring to the unit's "rakish streamlining," inspired by the Pennsylvania Railroad's T1 class steam locomotive). 109 cab-equipped A units were built, along with 51 cabless booster B units, for a total of 160 locomotives built. As was the case with most passenger locomotives of its day, the RF-16s came equipped with a retractable, nose-mounted drop coupler pilot.
All RF-16s were configured with a B-B wheel arrangement and ran on two AAR Type B two-axle road trucks, with all axles powered.
 A head-on view of D&H #1216, a restored Baldwin RF-16. The unit was purchased from the Monongahela Railway in August, 1974. |
 An interior cab view of D&H #1205. The unit, along with its sister (#1216) was sold to Castolite, Inc. in April, 1978. |
 A view of the engine compartment of D&H #1205 and its Baldwin 608A prime mover. |
Many of the units saw service hauling coal drags, where their characteristic "lugging power" was put to best use. A number of RF-16s were repowered with ALCO prime movers over the years, with mixed results. Today, the only two surviving units are owned by the Escanaba and Lake Superior Railroad.
Contents |
[edit] Units produced
[edit] A units (cab units)
| Railroad | Quantity | Road numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore and Ohio Railroad |
|
851, 851A–859, 859A (odd numbers only), 861, 861A–865, 865A, 867–871 (odd numbers only) |
| New York Central Railroad |
|
3804–3821 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad |
|
2000A–2027A, 9594A–9599A, 9708A–9745A |
[edit] B units (cabless boosters)
| Railroad | Quantity | Road numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore and Ohio Railroad |
|
5202–5214 |
| New York Central Railroad |
|
3702–3729 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad |
|
2000B–2026B, 9594B–9598B, 9708B–9598B, 9708B–9714B (all even numbers only) |
[edit] References
- Pinkepank, Jerry A. (1973). The Second Diesel Spotter's Guide. Milwaukee, WI: Kalmbach Publishing Co. ISBN 0-89024-026-4.
- "Baldwin Sharknose: A History" by Jay Winn & John Shaw. The Bridgeline Historical Society. Retrieved on January 22, 2006.
- "Baldwin 608A Diesel Engine". Pacific Southwest Railway Museum. Retrieved on January 22, 2006.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Baldwin RF16 Roster
- Preserved Baldwin Box and Cab Units
- PRR Diesel Locomotive diagrams: Baldwin RF16 "A" (freight shark)
- PRR Diesel Locomotive diagrams: Baldwin RF16 "B" (freight shark)
- Riding the D&H Sharks article by Jay Winn at The Bridgeline Historical Society official website.
| Diesel locomotives built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works | |
| Switchers: | S-12, S-8, DS-4-4-10, DS-4-4-7.5, DS-4-4-6, VO-1000, VO-660 |
| Road switchers: | RS-12, AS-16, AS-416, AS-616, DRS-4-4-10, DRS-4-4-15, DRS-6-4-15, DRS-6-6-15, RS-12 |
| Transfer units: | DT-6-6-20, RT-624 |
| Cab units: | DR-12-8-1500/2, DR-6 series, DR-4-4-15, RF-16 |
