QUOTE: Originally posted by CSSHEGEWISCH The EF-4's and EP-5's, both being rectifier locomotives, do indeed have more modern components than the GG1, but they would still be difficult and expensive to upgrade since you are basically installing a new locomotive inside the old shell. As far as aesthetics are concerned, the early Dash-8's were not that different from the E33/E44/E50, although I once opined to a friend that a CR B40-8 would look better with a pantograph on top.
QUOTE: Originally posted by daveklepper I am glad an EF4 has been preserved cosmetic-wise and is repainted in New Haven colors. Someday it will be restored with NEC compatible electronics (the stuff gets more compact and reliable as tiime goes on) and will be restored to operation. The new 60Hz-35Hz multitap transformer is the difficult and expensive item. It should be rebuilt using as many electrical componants common with the AE-7. Unlike the GG-1, the technology is basically the same, just more modern, so it is a logical modernization. A cheap first step would be just to restore as a dc third rail motor with pans locked down for operation on Metro North and/or LIRR tracks, keeping diesel locomotive compatible GE dc traction motors as original. Then the rectifier and transformer and other additonal electronics could be added as funds are raised. The Jets, the EP-5's, were a good loooking locomotive too, but again not quite a replacement for a passenger EF-3 with boiler. Getting back to the E-33's and the E-44's, I often wondered why diesel road-switchers could not be designed as esthetically pleasing and these electric versions! Bit the E-33's did look their best as EF-4's in New Haven paint.
QUOTE: Originally posted by daveklepper Note however that the PA's and PB's also had one idler axle in each truck like the EMD E's. But the GE electricals at that time were more robust. Built for passenger service, the New Haven used their PA's as duel service locomotives hauling freight at night, but rarely on the Maybrook, mostly on the Shore Line. And they did not have to climb the Hell Gate Bridge grade!
QUOTE: Originally posted by PBenham The 16/ 244 engine was the PAs real killer! If the PAs had come out with a reliable power plant, who knows? They gave Lehigh Valley and New Haven decent service, but no LV PA ever had to really get down and dirty until they wound up in freight service. NHs PAs were blessed by having one of the best shops for ALCO maintence anywhere! Naturally, good old Pat McGinnis came along and that was the beginning of the end. The closure of the Readville,MA shops was a despiration move by the NH's last pre-bankruptcy management team to save the NH, but like the attempted shutdown of the NH's electrification, it was ill-advised and too late to save the NH from the inevitable!
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