Baldwin Sharks

[Soo Line fan]

Antonio, are you referring to the ex-DH units?

Jim

[emdgp92]

The sharks hiding up in Michigan are the ex-D&H/MGA/NYC RF16s. From what I've heard, they'll never run again--the frames are cracked.

[reale1]

What I'm hoping for is that the new owner of the Proto line will eventually get around to offering Sharks in a variety of appropriate road names. Producing them in the 2000 line would be great, but even a 1000 series model would be OK. Proto's usually faithful detailing, fine paint jobs, and smooth operation would certainly be well received.

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by emdgp92

The sharks hiding up in Michigan are the ex-D&H/MGA/NYC RF16s. From what I've heard, they'll never run again--the frames are cracked.

Sad about the frames being cracked. I wonder though, if the frames are cracked why is the industrial owner hanging on to them? It's their property but one would think that they would either donate them, sell them, or restore to running condition.

[Soo Line fan]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

QUOTE: Originally posted by emdgp92

The sharks hiding up in Michigan are the ex-D&H/MGA/NYC RF16s. From what I've heard, they'll never run again--the frames are cracked.

Sad about the frames being cracked. I wonder though, if the frames are cracked why is the industrial owner hanging on to them? It's their property but one would think that they would either donate them, sell them, or restore to running condition.

I think you have been misinformed about the frames, as I have never heard that from any former or current employees or read that in any publications. Also, the Escanaba and Lake Superior is not an industrial RR, It is a short line.

This is a photo of the Sharks before they were moved inside the ELS car shop building. http://user.cybrzn.com/~vindalu/gallery2-els.htm They are definitely still there. The 1205 arrived needing an engine overhaul and never ran. The 1216 was used for a while in ELS revenue and then stored serviceable. John Larkin took over ownership from Castolite in lieu of money owed for storage fees. Here are some more items in storage:
http://trainweb.org/DOMEmain/picMILW187a.jpg
http://trainweb.org/DOMEmain/picMILW51a.jpg

John collects full size locos and passenger cars like we do models. His latest acquisition is the FP-7 600, ex WSOR. I heard they could have purchased 2 used SD 40-2s for what was paid for the F, as it was in outstanding mechanical condition. The 3 ex WICT Fs may be next.
http://www.michiganrailroads.com/MichRRs/Pictures/IndividualPhotos/151-160/Photo152D.htm

Here is the rest of the fleet: http://www.railroadmichigan.com/escanabalakesuperior.html

One last note about the Baldwin Sharks and ELS: Everyone, please do not trespass or harass them about the Sharks. They do not like that. A well-known fact but one, which bears retelling, is years ago the Sharks were parked at the Wells roundhouse for all to see. No security, come and go as you please. On New Years some low-lifes broke into the roundhouse and stole builders plates from some of the other Baldwins and also their service manuals. Signs went up and access was cut off. The Sharks were moved over to the Escanaba car shop and then eventually hidden inside. Hopefully when John is ready, he will show the Sharks, and the rest of his personal collection. Pestering them will not make that day come any sooner.

Jim

[TomDiehl]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Soo Line fan

One last note about the Baldwin Sharks and ELS: Everyone, please do not trespass or harass them about the Sharks. They do not like that. A well-known fact but one, which bears retelling, is years ago the Sharks were parked at the Wells roundhouse for all to see. No security, come and go as you please. On New Years some low-lifes broke into the roundhouse and stole builders plates from some of the other Baldwins and also their service manuals. Signs went up and access was cut off. The Sharks were moved over to the Escanaba car shop and then eventually hidden inside. Hopefully when John is ready, he will show the Sharks, and the rest of his personal collection. Pestering them will not make that day come any sooner.

Jim

It's always a shame that some lowlife(s) has to ruin it for the rest of us. The sharks have always been my favorite of the first generation diesels. As I stated above, I have several of the Mantua diecast metal sharks, 3 with Hobbytown drives.

[rtstasiak]

Here's a little NYC-Baldwin trivia:

NYC purchased at least 2 sets of Baldwin Babyfaces with A-1-A trucks, steam generators, and passenger gearing. The engines were supposedly unreliable and rough riding, earning the pet name "Gravel Gerties" from crews. These units were re-engined with EMD prime movers and, I presume, standard MU in an attempt to cut the Central's losses and get some work out of the units.

Mr. Nowak's NYC Color Pix Volume 2 shows a four unit lashup of an F-2 + Babyface + F-7 + GP-7 pulling a freight in multiple. Lots of theories here--refitted with new engine and MU? Dead trailing unit in transit? NYC did have a program to install regular MU in switchers not so equipped, so why not a Baldwin?

Rich

[tomikawaTT]

Just about the time that UP got its first gas turbine locos, Baldwin-Westinghouse built a 4000-hp gas turbine demonstrator (Blue Goose) which had a rather shark-like front end. The loco was a Bo-Bo-Bo-Bo with the trucks twin-mounted to span bolsters that also supported the draft gear. If memory serves, the pilot was mounted on the front span bolster and swung with it.
MR published a plan for that loco back in the days of my youth. That was the first, and last, that I ever heard of it until I Googled it and found out that Ajin has it scheduled for a limited run.

[PennsyHoosier]

Gotta love those PRR Sharks!

[PennsyHoosier]

Go to http://crestlineprr.com/PhotoGallery.html for some very nice pics of PRR Sharks--and lots of other great pics, too!

[PennsyHoosier]

I am going CRAZY waiting for the PCM Sharks. Must have one... Must have two... Must have...

[PennsyHoosier]

By the way, the above pic is from a GREAT website with a history of the Baldwin Sharks, as well as instructions for painting D&H Shark. Pretty cool.

http://www.bridge-line.org/blhs/BaldwinSharks.html