RP210 - Lightweight Streamlined Locomotives


In 1955 the New York Central and New Haven each ordered a set of Pullman lightweight, single axle, "Train X" passenger cars. Baldwin was contracted to build the locomotives. The NYC train would have one locomotive while the NH train would have a locomotive at each end, so three units were ordered, they were completed in 1956.

NYC 20   - c/n 76108, b/d 05/56
NH 3000 - c/n 76109, b/d 9/56
NH 3001 - c/n 76110, b/d 9/56

The RP210 locomotive was powered by a Maybach V12 diesel producing 1000hp. This engine was mounted on the front trucks and powered both axles through a Mechydro hydraulic transmission. A second smaller Maybach diesel was located in the car body to provide auxiliary power.

New Haven units also had additional electric traction motors to be powered by third rail or overhead power.

The NYC train, called the Xplorer, entered service in 1956 and the NH train called the Dan'l Webster entered service in 1957. Both trains were retired in 1960, due largely to the rough ride of the single axle passenger cars.

Both trains were sold to a subsidiary of the Pickens Railroad called Jones Tours (see below photos) to run excursions. Both trains were eventually scrapped around 1970.


See bibliography references [2][4][6] for detailed history and mechanical descriptions.


New York Central

NYC 20
NYC publicity photo by Ed Nowak
- collection of Tim Darnell
 NYC 20

RP210
c/n 76108, b/d 05/1956

- to Jones Tours, see below

NYC 20 NYC 20
photos by: Louis A. Marre - collection of Tim Darnell

New Haven

NH 3001
photo by: Unknown
- collection of Tim Darnell
 NH 3001

RP210
c/n 76110, b/d 09/1956

- to Jones Tours, see below 		c/n 76110 - NH 3001
photo by: Richard Caig
- this plate is in his collection

Pickens Railroad - Jones Tours

Both the NYC Xplorer and the NH Dan'l Webster trains were sold to a subsidiary of the Pickens Railroad called Jones Tours to run excursions. Both trains were eventually scrapped around 1970.

ex. NH 3000
NH 3000 		ex. NYC 20
NYC 20
roadside
photos by: Kim E. Piersol
"... slides I took with my instamatic camera when I was a student at Furman University in Greenville, SC back when I was a senior (1969). These shots were taken on an abandoned track a little north of the campus in Travelers Rest." - Kim


ex. NH 3001
ex NH 3000
photo by: Richard Adams
Waycross, GA. ACL shops- 1965




The copyrights for all photos are assumed to rest with the photographers.
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