Pennsylvania Railroad class E2c

Pennsylvania Railroad E2c
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
BuilderWestinghouse and Baldwin-Lima-Hamilton
Serial numberBLH 75484, 75485
Build dateFebruary 1952
Total produced2
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • AARC-C
 • UICCo'Co'
Gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Electric system/s11 kV, 25 Hz AC
Current pickup(s)Pantograph
Traction 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,

  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.