Interesting Question - Baldwin Transfer Diesels

christoph Mar 12, 2007

  1. Grey One

    Grey One TrainBoard Supporter

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    I would buy two if:
    Less than $100
    Undecorated, Solid Black, or "Really Pretty"
     
  2. SD70BNSF

    SD70BNSF TrainBoard Supporter

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    Now that I found this thread.... and I already emailed my support.

    I would take one or two of the ATSF versions, basically roadnumbers 2601 and 2602 which I believe were assigned to Argentine Yard. It certainly would be a unique and cool locomotive to have in our respective collections.
     
  3. traingeekboy

    traingeekboy TrainBoard Member

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    It would be hard to resist no matter what paint scheme.

    [​IMG]
     
  4. randgust

    randgust TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks for the posting Charlie. That pretty much answers my question about what's happening. And probably, why the question is being asked now.... if Mark has a concept, and it's looking for implementation, then somebody is trying to check the depth of the pool before diving.

    But you've also hit it dead-on "except for the PRR one".... yeah, the road that has probably the most units, and certainly some of the biggest fans, if not wallets!

    The TM components are really, really good. But this really is a tough project, and somebody is thinking hard about an at-risk investment here. I wish them well! If anybody actually cares (and I doubt very much they do) it's not on MY workbench, though I'd make such a deal on Commonwealth sideframes for the trucks....that fit the Alco spacing!
     
  5. Charlie Vlk

    Charlie Vlk February 5, 2023 In Memoriam

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    To clarify my statement about the PRR... the Pennsy had TWO versions.. one more or less standard riding on the Commonwealth trucks like all the other units, and another style with a different cab, different walkway configuration, and riding on drop equalizer trucks similar to the C628. That is the version that I suggest won't be done.
    I also didn't mention EJ&E #100, the first unit delivered to them, which has no end walkways and is somewhat different than the others.
    So not to worry, PRR guys.... but if you want the weird one or the Lima Centercabs you'll still have to kitbash them.
    Charlie Vlk
     
  6. BikerDad

    BikerDad E-Mail Bounces

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    Could someone please edjooomyckate me about these units. What exactly was their design function/intended use?

    Grace and peace, BD
     
  7. Thirdrail

    Thirdrail In Memoriam

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    Baldwin (and Lima) Transfer Units

    BikerDad, these dual engined units were intended to move heavy cuts of cars between yards in one city. So, they were slow speed bi-directional units. For example, PRR had three yards in Columbus, Ohio, and the only articulateds PRR used after about 1930 were used to transfer cars between those yards. Railroads needed slow, high tractive effort locomotives for transfer service, like interchange cuts in Chicago, which is why the EJ&E had them. PRR ended up using these units for local freights in areas with heavy steel traffic. But most railroads used them for interyard transfers between multiple yards in big cities. :cat:
     
  8. randgust

    randgust TrainBoard Member

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    Santa Fe had one particularly horrible area in Arizona between Needles and Flagstaff that was known as the "Johnson Canyon", when the original Atlantic & Pacific main line was via Williams and Ash Fork. They actually used a few of these as helpers (pushers) between Ash Fork and Flagstaff, and that is what they were bought for. I've seen photos of them in Flag. This is the same territory that Santa Fe tried the 2-10-10-2's on that were such a disaster. A really rough piece of railroad.

    The end result was that Santa Fe redesigned the whole Arizona main line in the Crookton Line relocation (1960) between Williams Jct. and Crookton, deep cuts, lower grades, wide curves. That sent the Baldwins into the transfer yards for the remainder of their lives.

    I've seen photos of trains in Johnson Canyon (now abandoned) with two steam locomotives or FT's on the front, and two of the Baldwins pushing on the rear, now that's a sight. Even though it's before my era, as the helper district ended and the units reversed at Flagstaff they are of some interest.

    Verne was really interested because these were in the area he was modeling too.
     
  9. Triplex

    Triplex TrainBoard Member

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    Transfer service was also the intended role for many cow-calf switchers. By the end of steam, dedicated transfer engines weren't being built. Ordinary switchers and hood units took over the role.
     

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