Locomotives that were proposed and never built - PRR

[sswcharlie]

Hi

In Trains Sept. 1975 there was an article by David Morgan re unbuilt locomotives.  Are there any from PRR listed ?

Looking for info on a  proposed Electro-Diesel of B-B config  in the 1930s.  GG1 styling

Thanks

Charles Harris

[NorthWest]

I can find two proposals that might be what you remember. Look here:

http://www.railroad.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=96&t=59749

[RME]

sswcharlie

Looking for info on a proposed Electro-Diesel of B-B config in the 1930s. GG1 styling

I think they've identified it.  This is a bit like the AC equivalent of one of the 'tri-power' locomotives of the slightly earlier period: able to haul a reasonable peddler consist, but self-powered away from the wire to be able to switch reasonable cuts of cars to nonelectrified sidings or tracks.  (I suspect there was no perceived need for 'smokeless' operation in 'unelectrified' warehouses and the like, and little room for the required battery to permit it.)

This is not very far at all from the stated purpose of the 950hp modern electro-diesel, although one explicit requirement of the latter is that it be capable of true high-speed operation so as not to interfere with 'pathing' of high-speed passenger traffic.  I did not have the impression, looking at the plans, that the PRR locomotive was intended to be a high-speed unit.

[M636C]

I have the September 1975 issue here.

It does not cover the PRR electro diesel in the three page article.

It does have a complete history of the PRR P5 and P5a locomotives over eight pages by Bert Pennypacker which is very interesting.

The magazine cover is linked to the article, using EMD styling sketches of E6 A and B units painted for the 1938 Twentieth Century and a Monon E7 A unit, although the article refers to locomotive types that were not built, not to existing locomotives in different colours.

The opening illustration is a quadruplex steam locomotive with cabs at both ends of the articulated boiler, which sums up the article.

It does illustrate a Lima free piston gas generator turbine electric of 3200 HP with a nose vaguely reminiscent of a GG1, and a diesel hydraulic version of a Baldwin RF-16 among other items.

M636C

[NorthWest]

Anything useful for the "Diesels Catalogued but not Built" thread?