FM P-12-42

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FM P-12-42
FM P-12-42
An FM P-12-42, Boston and Maine Railroad #1.
Power type Diesel-electric
BuilderSt. Louis Car Company
ModelP-12-42
Build date1957–1958
Total production4
AAR wheel arr.B-B
Gaugeft 8½ in (1435 mm)
Length60 ft 0 in (18.28 m)
Total weight200,000 lb (90,700 kg)
Electric system660 V DC (NH only)
Collection method3rd rail (NH only)
Engine type2-stroke diesel
Cylinders8, Opposed piston
TransmissionDC generator,
DC traction motors
Top speed117 mph (188 km/h)
Power output1,200 hp (895 kW)
Tractive effort50,000 lbf (222 kN)
Locomotive brakesStraight air
Train brakesAir
CareerBoston and Maine Railroad,
New Haven
LocaleNorth America
DispositionUnknown

The P-12-42, also known as the "Speed Merchant," was a streamlined, 1,200 hp locomotive built between 1957–1958 by Fairbanks-Morse, specifically to operate on each end of the Talgo train produced by American Car and Foundry. This model represented F-M's attempted entry into the lightweight locomotive market, but only four of the low-slung units were produced: one pair was purchased by the Boston and Maine Railroad, while the other set went to the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad.

The P-12-42's eight-cylinder opposed piston engine was normally rated at 1,600 horsepower, but was derated due to train lighting and other ancillary loads ("hotel" power). The 100-ton units measured 60'-0" long by 10'-6" wide by 12'-0" high, and were configured in a B-B wheel arrangement mounted atop a pair of two-axle AAR Type-B road trucks, geared for 117 mph with all axles powered. The P-12-42 was one of the first locomotives to have its prime mover configured to run at a constant speed, with traction generator output regulated solely by excitation. The New Haven locomotives were dual-powered, and came equipped with third-rail pickups to allow them to operate in New York's Grand Central Terminal (the first dual-power locomotives light enough to operate on the Park Avenue viaduct). In addition to articulated units, the P-12-42 could haul Budd's Pioneer III passenger cars as well.

F-M expected to sell many more units to the New Haven (perhaps in a Train Master-style carbody), though the NH ultimately opted to purchase a fleet of sixty EMD FL9s instead.

References

  • Pinkepank, Jerry A. (1973). The Second Diesel Spotter's Guide. Milwaukee, WI: Kalmbach Publishing Co.. ISBN 0-89024-026-4. 

Further reading

  • Sweetland, David R. (1996). C-Liners: Fairbanks-Morse's Consolidation Line of Locomotives. Withers Publishing, Halifax, PA. ISBN 1-881411-10-9.  — also covers the P-12-42.

See also

External links


Diesel locomotives built by Fairbanks-Morse
Cab units Erie-built, OP800, P-12-42
C-liners CFA-16-4, CFA-20-4, CFA-24-5, CPA-16-4, CPA-16-5, CPA-20-5, CPA-24-5
Switchers H-10-44, H-12-44, H-12-44TS, H-15-44, H-16-44, H-20-44
Train Masters H-16-66, H-24-66