The Whitcomb (model 44DE22) and Davenport 44 tonners look remarkably similar. How did this happen? Did Whitcomb license Davenport to make these units? (Possibly the Whitcomb units were built earlier and had 300 h.p. vs. the Davenport's 380 h.p. This guess is based on analyzing the Milwaukee Road locomotive roster.) Thanks.
Mark Pierce
Rogruth,
You seem to be comparing peaches to cherries, while I see peaches vs. nectarines. In comparing pictures of the two prototypes, I see no difference in the underbody, including trucks, except the Davenport used strap metal for steps while the Whitcomb had cast steps. Above the frame, the significant differences were the Davenport's exhaust stacks were not immediately adjacent to the cab (most likely due to different diesel engines used [380 h.p. Davenport vs. 300 h.p. Whitcomb]), and the Davenport had fewer handrails and simplified front/back grills. While the Davenport was more powerful, it seems it was built to lower cost, but nevertheless, was based on the Whitcomb (in my opinion as of today).
Looking for more insight! (Search "Milwauke Railroad" [for Davenports] and "Whitcomb locomotives" to see where I'm coming from.)
Mark
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