PRR DR-12-8-1500/2

Name

The Baldwin Centipede is the nickname for the Baldwin DR-12-8-1500/2, a diesel locomotive built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works. The name comes from the locomotive's many axles, which are set close together, similar to the legs of a centipede.

Design

The Centipede was designed to be a high-speed passenger locomotive. It had 12 axles, with eight of them driven, and two engines that each produced 1,500 horsepower. The two engines were usually connected back-to-back to create a 6,000 horsepower package.

Production

56 Centipedes were built between 1945 and 1948 for the Pennsylvania Railroad, Seaboard Air Line, and National Railroad of Mexico.

Appearance

The Centipedes are known for their distinctive "baby face" appearance.

Railroads

The Pennsylvania Railroad received 24 Centipedes, the Seaboard Air Line received 14, and the National Railroad of Mexico received 14.

Response

The railroads were not impressed with the Centipedes, especially when compared to other locomotive options.

Construction

The Centipedes were built one by one, which led to differences in wiring and construction that contributed to their demise.