Baldwin DR-12-8-1500/2
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 "Centipedes" of the Pennsylvania Railroad are seen here returning around Horseshoe Curve to the bottom to await another assignment in July 1953. All PRR units were semi-permanently coupled back-to-back, in pairs. |
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| Power type | Diesel-electric |
|---|---|
| Model | DR-12-8-1500/2 |
| Build date | December 1945 — July 1948 |
| Total production | 55 |
| AAR wheel arr. | 2-D+D-2 |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8½ in (1,435 mm) |
| Length | 91 ft 6 in (27.89 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 595,000 lb (269,887 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 3,500 gal (13,249 l) |
| Prime mover | 608SC (2) |
| Engine type | 4-stroke diesel |
| Aspiration | Turbocharger |
| Cylinders | 8 (2) |
| Transmission | DC generator,DC traction motors |
| Top speed | 93 mph (150 km/h) |
| Power output | 3,000 hp (2.2 MW) |
| Tractive effort | 102,500 lbf (459 kN) |
| Locomotive brakes | straight air |
| Train brakes | air |
| Locale | North America |
The Baldwin DR-12-8-1500/2 (known informally as the Centipede) was the Baldwin Locomotive Works' first serious attempt at a production road diesel locomotive. The Baldwin type designation was DR-12-8-1500/2 meaning Diesel Road locomotive, with 12 axles (8 of which were driven), and two engines of 1,500 horsepower each. The trucks were configured in a 2-D+D-2 wheel arrangement. The nickname came from the numerous axles set in a nearly unbroken line, much like the legs of a centipede.
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Built between December, 1945 and July, 1948 the "Babyface" design reflected Baldwin steam and electric locomotive practice. The carbody rode on two massive articulated cast steel half-frames cast by General Steel Castings, linked at the middle with a hinged joint. Unpowered four-wheel trucks at each end guided the locomotive through curves for stability at speed. Internal wiring was passed through metal conduits exactly like those used on a steam locomotive, which proved troublesome in practice.
The prototype 2-unit set was built in 1945 and toured American railroads. Orders followed from the Pennsylvania Railroad, the Seaboard Air Line Railroad, and the National Railways of Mexico (NdeM). The two demonstrators (originally ordered by Union Pacific Railroad as #998 and #999) were never sold and were eventually scrapped. The "Centipedes" were very soon made obsolete as the state of the art overtook them. Reliability was an ongoing problem, and as they were built one at a time (like steam engines) each one was a bit different in the placement of wiring and equipment, which complicated even routine maintenance. The PRR units were eventually derated and relegated to helper service. None of the units are known to exist today in any shape or form.
[edit] Original Buyers
| Owner | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Baldwin Locomotive Works (demonstrator units) | 2 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México | 14 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 24 |
| Seaboard Air Line Railroad | 14 |
[edit] Footnote
In 1943 Baldwin built an experimental 6,000-horsepower "Centipede" as a demonstrator unit, which was assigned road #6000. The uniquely-styled unit, with its upright, aggressive prow also utilized the 2-D+D-2 wheel arrangement but was to be powered with eight V8 diesel engines, though only four were actually installed. The lone unit was scrapped soon after production, and its running gear used on one of the 3,000-horsepower "Centipede" demonstrators.
[edit] References
- Pinkepank, Jerry A. (1973). The Second Diesel Spotter's Guide. Kalmbach Publishing Co., Milwaukee, WI. ISBN 0-89024-026-4.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
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