Roger Williams (train)

Roger Williams

New Haven #140 Roger Williams at the Danbury Railway Museum
Manufacturer Budd Company
Constructed 1956
Number built 1 train set
Formation 2 cab cars and 4 intermediate cars
Specifications
Car body construction Stainless Steel
Prime mover(s) GM 110, (2 per car)
Power output 550 hp (410 kW) (per car)
Transmission Hydraulic torque converter
Electric system(s) 600 V DC Third rail
Current collection method Contact shoe
AAR wheel arrangement Diesel power: 1A-A1 
Electric power: A1-1A
Braking system(s) Air
Track gauge 4 ft 8 12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge

The Roger Williams was a streamlined, six car, lightweight, DMU passenger train, built by the Budd Company in 1956 for the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad. The train was based on Budd's successful RDC DMU cars. The end two cars were equipped with streamlined locomotive style cabs and noses, resembling those on the Fairbanks-Morse P-12-42 Diesel locomotives. The four intermediate cars lacked operating controls and cabs.

For operation into Grand Central Terminal, the cars were each equipped with third-rail shoes, and small traction motors, allowing them to operate into the terminal under electric power, with their engines shut down.

After a short period of time in high speed service, the train was split up, and the cars were used in service with the New Haven's other RDCs. They worked for the New Haven, Penn Central, and Amtrak, until the last cars were retired in the 1980s.

The 2 end cars, and one intermediate car, are preserved in operating condition, by a private owner, at the Hobo Railroad in Lincoln, New Hampshire.

See also

References

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