Locomotives
Reading Company Baldwin DS4-4-1000, Class OE-12, 702
Background & History
The Reading was a major customer of the Baldwin Locomotive Works during the steam era benefitted from the builder’s it’s on-line status. As locomotive technology advanced into diesel-electric production, Baldwin offered products to compete with EMD and Fairbanks Morse who had not constructed steam locomotives. Reading Company 702 represents the later turbo-charged version to achieve the 1000 HP.
Earlier versions purchased after the World War II- War Production Board restrictions expired, arrived on the Railroad in two groups. Builder’s Model DS4-4-10 and Classed by the Reading Company as, OE (Oil-Electric)-10 and numbered 26 thru 39, arriving on the property in 1946 & 1947. These units were normally aspirated (non-turbocharged) and could be identified by having four exhaust stacks.
The second group of DS4-4-10 locomotives, numbered 700-729, arrived in 1948 & 1949. Classified as OE-12, the newer version sported turbo-charged six-cylinder prime movers. Both classes were painted in the Reading’s first-generation Pullman Green paint scheme.
DS4-4-1000 #706 in Reading first generation Reading Pullman Green paint. The large exhaust stack indicates the unit is turbocharged.
(Photo Courtesy of the Reading Modelers Group)
#702 at Temple, PA, September 2002. Under ownership of the XXXX the radiator section was modified for steel mill operation.
(Photo Courtesy Mike Shirk)
Baldwin partnered with Westinghouse for electrical gear including main generators and traction motors. The Westinghouse traction motors used thick copper wire cables that had a higher tolerance for overloading. Consequently, Baldwin switchers out muscled comparably rated switchers of other makes using GE electricals.
The units worked heavy switching assignments including the Rutherford Hump Yard, coupled in pairs. Ten units were equipped for this service with pneumatic MU control systems. The Baldwins recorded the highest availability among the three switcher manufacturers (Alco, EMD, and BLH).
As Baldwin left the locomotive building industry in 1956, it is a testament that the DS4-4-10s remained on the roster until 1969. Eleven units were traded to EMD in 1966 as credit towards a like number of SW1500s. Three others were sold to Bethlehem Steel (including 702) to be assigned to the Patapasco & Black Rivers Railroad for mill service. The remaining Class OE-12 units were retired by 1969, while 716 remained in service as a shop switcher until 1973.
Unit 702 is an excellent example of the many four-axle switchers used by the Reading. Built in 1948, this engine is rated at 1000hp, which is produced by a turbo-charged six-cylinder engine. It remains in the orange paint, applied by the Patapsco & Black Rivers Railroad, a subsidiary of Bethlehem Steel at Sparrows Point (Baltimore, MD), where it received some modifications to the front of its long hood. It is currently stored out-of-service at the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum in Hamburg, PA.
Baldwin DS4-4-1000 Specifications
(As Built)
Builder:
Baldwin Locomotive Works
Philadelphia, PA
Date Built:
1948
Builder’s #:
73776
Engine:
Model 606SC
Turbo-charged
4-stroke diesel
6 cylinder
Horsepower:
1000
Top Speed:
60 mph
Weight:
229,810 lbs.
Tractive Effort:
53,377 lbs.
Length:
46’0″
Fuel:
650 gallons
Lube Oil:
105 gallons
Water:
250 gallons
Aspiration:
Turbocharger
Bore x Stroke:
12.75″ x 15.5″
Displacement:
? c.i.
Idle Speed:
? rpm
Max Speed:
625 rpm
Transmission:
DC generator, DC traction motors
Brake System:
6-DS Air
Much of the information contained in this wonderful article on the DS4-4-1000 was provided along with other locomotive descriptions to RCT&HS by the Reading Railroad Modelers Group. We thank them for their continued support of the RCT&HS and the history of the Reading Company.