Pennsylvania Railroad class E2c

4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gaugeElectric system/s11 kV, 25 Hz ACCurrent pickup(s)PantographTraction motorsWestinghouse 370 (6 off)TransmissionAC current fed via a transformer tap changer through 12 Ignitron (Mercury arc) rectifier tubes to DC traction motors
Performance figures
Power output3,000 hp (2,200 kW)
Career
OperatorsPennsylvania Railroad
ClassE2c[1]
Numbers4997, 4998

Pennsylvania Railroad class E2c comprised a pair of experimental C-C (AAR) or Co-Co (UIC) electric locomotives. The bodywork and running gear was produced by Baldwin-Lima-Hamilton while the electrical equipment was provided by Westinghouse,[2] who also acted as principal contractor.

In 1952 the Pennsylvania Railroad took delivery of eight experimental locomotives, four from General Electric and four from Westinghouse. While GE's were all of the same class (E2b), the Westinghouse locomotives were split into two classes. Two locomotives had three two-axle trucks (E3b).[2]

The significant technical difference between the locomotives was that those from General Electric used traditional AC traction motors. Those by Westinghouse had mercury arc rectifiers to convert the AC traction power to DC. In consequence they were able to use ordinary DC traction motors, identical to those on contemporary diesel-electric locomotives.[3]

The locomotives were scrapped in 1964. However, the rectifier principle they pioneered soon became the standard for new AC electric locomotives,

References

Citations

  1. ^ Carleton, Paul. Under Pennsy Wires. D. Carleton Railbooks, 1982, p. 153
  2. ^ a b Staufer, Alvin F.; Pennypacker, Bert (1962). Pennsy Power: Steam and Electric Locomotives of the Pennsylvania Railroad, 1900-1957. Research by Martin Flattley. Carollton, Ohio: Alvin F. Staufer. pp. 300–301. ISBN 978-0-9445-1304-0.
  3. ^ Bezilla, Michael (Autumn 1977). "The Pennsylvania's Pioneer Rectifiers". Railroad History. 137 (137). Railway and Locomotive Historical Society: 64–79. JSTOR 43520656.

Sources

  • Middleton, William D. (2002). The Pennsylvania Railroad - Under Wire (1st ed.). Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Kalmbach Publishing. ISBN 978-0-89024-617-7.
  • Volkmer, William D. (1991). Pennsy Electric Years. Edison, New Jersey: Morning Sun Books, Inc. pp. 31, 126. ISBN 978-1-878887-01-6.
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