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Baldwin AS-16

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Baldwin AS-16
A black locomotive hauling a passenger train
PRSL AS-16 at Haddonfield station in September 1965
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderBaldwin Locomotive Works
ModelAS-16
Build dateMay 1951–February 1956
Total produced127
Specifications
Configuration:
 • AARB-B
Gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
TrucksAAR Type B
Length:
 • Over couplers58’
Prime mover608A
AspirationTurbocharger Elliott Company H704 (125 hp)
GeneratorWestinghouse 471B
Traction motorsWestinghouse 370DL (4)
Gear ratio15:63, 15:68 (optional) 17:62 (passenger)
CouplersAAR Type E knuckle
Performance figures
Power output1,625 hp (1,212 kW) (marketed as 1,600 hp)
Career
LocaleNorth America
DispositionAll scrapped

The BLH AS-16 was a diesel-electric locomotive rated at 1,625 hp (1,212 kW), that rode on two-axle trucks, having a B-B wheel arrangement. It was the successor to Baldwin's DRS-4-4-1500 model, and remained in production until Baldwin-Lima-Hamilton quit the locomotive manufacturing business in 1956.

Nine railroads bought 127 locomotives, with five railroads having bought the previous model. None have survived into preservation.

Original buyers

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Railroad Quantity Road numbers Notes
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad 16 890–905 Renumbered 6200–6215; renumbered 2241–2239
Erie Railroad 16 1106–1120, 1140
Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad 18 1571–1586, 1787–1788 Renumbered
Missouri Pacific Railroad (International-Great Northern Railroad) 2 4195–4196
Missouri Pacific Railroad (St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway) 6 4326–4331
New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad ("Nickel Plate Road") 4 320–323
Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines 16 6007–6016, 6022–6027 6022–6027 were a cancelled order by the Reading Co., The 6 were built in 1953 with dynamic brakes and conventional mu (as opposed to BLW's air-controlled design). In 1956 the P-RSL acquired the units and had the dynamic brakes removed, BLW air-controlled mu installed, only №'s 6024 to 6027 had steam boilers installed.
Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. Marie Railroad ("Soo Line") 2 379–380
Reading Company 43 530–554, 560–563, 576–589
Western Maryland Railway 4 173–176
Total 127

Usage

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The AS-16 was designed as an all-around useful locomotive, capable of freight or passenger service. The engine had optional benefits such as a steam generator or dynamic brakes. The AAR Type B truck warranted higher speed than its siblings, the AS-416 and AS-616, with their three axle trucks.

References

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  • Kirkland, John F. (1994). The Diesel Builders volume 3: Baldwin Locomotive Works. Interurban Press. ISBN 0-916374-93-9.