Baldwin 60000
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Power type | steam |
|---|---|
| Builder | Baldwin Locomotive Works |
| Serial number | 60000 |
| Build date | 1926 |
| Configuration | 4-10-2 |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8½ in (1435 mm) |
| Locomotive weight | 350 short tons (320 t) |
| Top speed | 70 mph (110 km/h) |
| Current owner | Franklin Institute Science Museum |
| Disposition | moving display - moves back and forth 15 feet (4.6 m) on a short track powered by hydraulics |
Baldwin 60000 is a steam locomotive built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Eddystone, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1926, during the height of the railroading industry. The Baldwin 60000 received its name for being the 60,000th locomotive built by Baldwin
It was designed to be the best locomotive that Baldwin ever made; it was meant to be much larger and much more powerful than any other locomotive of the time. It boasted three cylinders, weighed about 350 short tons (320 t) and could pull a load of up to 7,000 short tons (6,400 t). The top speed was 70 mph (110 km/h) and with a full load it took over 2 miles (3 km) to come to a full stop.
60000 was also was very innovative, carrying new technology like a sawdust spreader for traction, a mechanical stoker (an auger or corkscrew that carried coal into the fire), signaling device, and pneumatic braking. Visitors can still see and feel some leftover coal in the delivery system. Another innovation was the locomotive's water-tube boiler. This boiler was intended to improve efficiency but the tubes tended to burst inside the firebox. Also, the massive weight of the engine was too much for all but the very heaviest track. The Baldwin 60000 can carry 16 short tons (15 t) of coal and 12,000 US gallons (45 m³) of water. With normal operation, the Baldwin 60000 would have enough water for about 2 hours but at maximum speed, the time was reduced to 45 minutes. At one point during testing while in Texas, the Baldwin 60000 was retrofitted to run on oil, but was later converted back to running on coal.
This locomotive was experimental and was meant to be the model for future trains. However, its demonstration runs never persuaded railroads to purchase more of the model and in 1933, the Baldwin 60000 was purchased by the Franklin Institute Science Museum for $1 and remains there today.
