Saturday, November 24, 2012

models of the Baldwin "centipedes"


Lionel models of the Baldwin Locomotive Works' DR-12-8-1500/2 diesel-electric, known colloquially as the centipede, Baldwin's first road service diesel. The model designation came from Diesel Road locomotive, with 12 axles, 8 of which were powered with traction motors, and two prime mover engines of 1,500 horsepower each.

The Pennsylvania Railroad bought 24 and the other purchasers were the National Railways of Mexico (Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México) and the Seaboard Air Line (14 each).  They were not considered very reliable, and were eventually power-derated and used as helpers.  None survive today.
this paired example of the real thing, taken at Altoona, Pennsylvania on 10 September 1951 well shows the reason for the informal name


Build dates: December 1945 – July 1948
Total produced: 55
AAR axle arrangement: 2-D+D-2
UIC classification: (2′Do)+(Do'2)
Length: 91 ft 6 in (27.89 metres)
Weight: 595,000 lb (269.9 tonnes)
Fuel capacity: 3,500 US gallons (13,000 litres; 2,900 imperial gallons)
Prime mover: 2 x 608SC
Engine type: Four-stroke diesel
Aspiration: Turbocharged
Size: 15,832 cu in (259.44 litres) (× 2)
Cylinders: 8 (× 2)
Top speed: 93 mph (150 km/h)
Power output: 3,000 hp (2,240 kW)
Tractive effort: 102,500 lbf (455.94 kN)
Locomotive brake: straight air

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