Baldwin DR-12-8-1500/2

The Baldwin DR-12-8-1500/2 (known informally as the "Centipede") was the Baldwin Locomotive Works' first serious attempt at a production road diesel locomotive. The Baldwin type designation was DR-12-8-1500/2,' meaning Diesel Road locomotive, with 12 axles ('8 of which were actually powered), and 1500/2 meant two engines producing 1,500 horsepower (1,100 kW) each, or basically, 3,000 horsepower. The trucks were configured in a 2-D+D-2 wheel arrangement. The nickname came from the numerous axles set in a nearly unbroken line, much like the legs of a centipede.
== History==
Built between December 1945 and July 1948, the "Babyface" design reflected Baldwin steam and electric locomotive practice. The carbody rode on two massive articulated cast steel half-frames cast by General Steel Castings, linked at the middle with a hinged joint. Unpowered four-wheel trucks at each end guided the locomotive through curves for stability at speed. Internal wiring was passed through metal conduits exactly like those used on a steam locomotive, which proved troublesome in practice.
The prototype 2-unit set was built in 1945 and toured American railroads. Orders followed from the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR), the Seaboard Air Line Railroad (SAL), and the National Railways of Mexico (NdeM). The two demonstrators (originally ordered by Union Pacific Railroad (UP) as Nos. 998 and 999) were never sold and were eventually scrapped. The "Centipedes" were essentially obsolete during production, unable to compete with the more advanced locomotive design and technology offered by EMD. Reliability was an ongoing problem and as Baldwin had built the Centipedes one-at-a-time (like how steam locomotives are built), the result of which was each one was a bit different from the next Centipede that was made. Each one was a bit different in the placement of wiring and equipment, which complicated even routine maintenance. The PRR units were eventually derated and relegated to helper service. Most PRR and SAL units were scrapped by the early 1960s, while NdeM units lasted slightly longer and were in service until the late 1960s. No Centipedes have been preserved.
==Footnote==
In 1943 Baldwin built an experimental 6,000 horsepower (4,500 kW) "Centipede" as a demonstrator unit, which was assigned road #6000. The uniquely styled unit, with its upright, aggressive prow, also utilized the 2-D+D-2 wheel arrangement, but was to be powered with eight V8 diesel engines, though only four were actually installed. The lone unit was scrapped soon after production, and its running gear was used for the Baldwin "Centipede" demonstrator also numbered 6000.
==Gallery==
*Gallery
==Footage==
File:Baldwin centipedes
File:Centipede diesel-Electric, 1950's. Archive film 93453
Category:Road Diesel locomotives
Category:Diesel locomotives
Category:Baldwin locomotives
Category:2-D+D-2 locomotives
Category:Scrapped locomotives
Category:Experimental locomotives
Category:Locomotives
Category:United States
Category:American locomotives
Category:4 foot 8 1⁄2 inch gauge
Category:Built in 1945
Category:Standard gauge locomotives
Category:Mexican Railroads
Category:Built in 1948
Category:Built in 1947
Category:Mexico
Category:4-8-8-4 locomotives
Category:Pennsylvania locomotives
Category:Seaboard Air Line Railway
Category:Built in 1946
Category:Seaboard System Railroad
Category:Scrapped diesel locomotives