Baldwin AS-16

Baldwin AS-16
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+1⁄2 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. Former Missouri Pacific 4328 was sold to Bethlehem Steel for Iron Mines Co. of Venezuela and was later acquired by Ferrominera Orinoco. Today the locomotive survives on display at the entrance of CVG Ferrominera Orinoco in Guyana City, Venezuela. It is the sole surviving Baldwin AS-16.

Original buyers

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 No. 4328 is sole surviving example. Currently on Display in Venezuela.
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

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

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Baldwin AS-16 locomotives.
  • Kirkland, John F. (1994). The Diesel Builders volume 3: Baldwin Locomotive Works. Interurban Press. ISBN 0-916374-93-9.
  • The Baldwin Diesel Zone - Ferrominera Orinoco http://baldwindiesels.railfan.net/orinoco/index.html


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