FM P-12-42
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 An FM P-12-42, Boston and Maine Railroad #1. |
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| Power type | Diesel-electric |
|---|---|
| Builder | St. Louis Car Company |
| Model | P-12-42 |
| Build date | 1957–1958 |
| Total production | 4 |
| AAR wheel arr. | B-2 |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8½ in (1435 mm) |
| Length | 60 ft 0 in (18.28 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 200,000 lb (90,700 kg) |
| Electric system(s) | 660 V DC (NH only) |
| Curent collection method | 3rd rail (NH only) |
| Engine type | Diesel |
| Cylinders | 8, Opposed piston |
| Transmission | DC generator, DC traction motors |
| Top speed | 117 mph (188 km/h) |
| Power output | 1,200 hp (895 kW) |
| Tractive effort | 50,000 lbf (222 kN) |
| Locomotive brakes | Straight air |
| Train brakes | Air |
| Career | Boston and Maine Railroad, New Haven |
| Locale | North America |
| Disposition | None |
The P-12-42, also known as the "Speed Merchant," was a streamlined, 1,200 hp locomotive built between 1957–1958 by Fairbanks-Morse, specifically to operate on each end of the Talgo train produced by American Car and Foundry. This model represented F-M's attempted entry into the lightweight locomotive market, but only four of the low-slung units were produced: one pair was purchased by the Boston and Maine Railroad, while the other set went to the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad.
The P-12-42's eight-cylinder opposed piston engine was normally rated at 1,600 horsepower after 1950, but was derated due to train lighting and other ancillary loads ("hotel" power). The 100-ton units measured 60'-0" long by 10'-6" wide by 12'-0" high, and were configured in a B-2 wheel arrangement mounted atop a pair of two-axle AAR road trucks, geared for 117 mph with only the first two axles powered. The P-12-42 was one of the first locomotives to have its prime mover configured to run at a constant speed, with traction generator output regulated solely by excitation. The New Haven locomotives were dual-powered, and came equipped with third-rail pickups to allow them to operate in New York's Grand Central Terminal (the first dual-power locomotives light enough to operate on the Park Avenue viaduct). In addition to articulated units, the P-12-42 could haul Budd's Pioneer III passenger cars as well.
F-M expected to sell many more units to the New Haven (perhaps in a Train Master-style carbody), though the NH ultimately opted to purchase a fleet of sixty EMD FL9s instead.
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[edit] References
- Pinkepank, Jerry A. (1973). The Second Diesel Spotter's Guide. Milwaukee, WI: Kalmbach Publishing Co.. ISBN 0-89024-026-4.
[edit] Further reading
- Sweetland, David R. (1996). C-Liners: Fairbanks-Morse's Consolidation Line of Locomotives. Withers Publishing, Halifax, PA. ISBN 1-881411-10-9. — also covers the P-12-42.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Magazine advertisement from late 1955 depicting an artist's rendition of the New Haven's "John Quincy Adams" Talgo train
- Late 1955 magazine advertisement depicting the Fairbanks-Morse "Speed Merchant" locomotive
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