PRSL AS-16 at Haddonfield station in September 1965.
(Roger Puta, courtesy Marty Bernard from U.S.A., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
BALDWIN-LIMA-HAMILTON AS-16 DIESEL-ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE
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.
Western Maryland 173 (Baldwin AS16) most probably Hagerstown, MD in September 1964.
(Roger Puta, courtesy Marty Bernard from U.S.A., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
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 | |
| 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 |
Reading Baldwin AS16 530 at Gordon, Pennsylvania, December 4, 1960. Photographer: Martin Zak.
(Craig Garver, Public domain, https://www.flickr.com/photos/digitalrailartist/50315989033/)
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.
Reading Baldwin AS16 582, location unknown, August 1, 1959. Photographer unknown.
(Craig Garver, Public domain, https://www.flickr.com/photos/digitalrailartist/50316036543/)
Overview
Type and origin
Power type: Diesel-electric
Builder: Baldwin-Lima-Hamilton
Model: AS-16
Build date: May 1951–February 1956
Total produced: 127
Specifications
Configuration:
• AAR B-B
Gauge: 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Trucks: AAR Type B
Length over couplers: 58’
Prime mover: 608A
Aspiration: Turbocharger - Elliott Company H704 (125 hp)
Generator: Westinghouse 471B
Traction motors: Westinghouse 370DL (x 4)
Gear ratio: 15:63, 15:68 (optional) 17:62 (passenger)
Couplers: AAR Type E knuckle
Performance figures
Power output: 1,625 hp (1,212 kW) (marketed as 1,600 hp)
Career
Locale: North America
Disposition: All scrapped
