go.
I would like to see Lionel or MTH make this locomotive. I don't have any idea what is is, but I remember seeing them on the NYC years a go.
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That's a NYC P-2b (says so right under the NYC logo).
You can find some information farther down this page: http://donsdepot.donrossgroup.net/dr085.htmd
You can find some information farther down this page: http://donsdepot.donrossgroup.net/dr085.htmd
The P2 was to electrics what the NYC Hudson was to steamers. Classy.
And equally un-preserved.
And equally un-preserved.
MTH issued it as a PS-1 loco and then re-issued as a PS-2 engine. Third rail also issued this loco as well.
The prototype locos were built for use on the Cleveland Union Terminal electrifired territory. They had large pantographs as the CUT system was overhead catenary. When the wires in Cleveland were de-energized, these locos were surplus and came east for use on the electrified lines out of Grand Central. Since this ssystem was outside third rail, the locos were modified with pickup shoes. Small pantographs were installed and were used for overhead electric pickup within Grand Central where complicated switch trackage had 3rd rail gaps. The Lightning stripes were applied to the locos in the Grand Central Service I believe.
The prototype locos were built for use on the Cleveland Union Terminal electrifired territory. They had large pantographs as the CUT system was overhead catenary. When the wires in Cleveland were de-energized, these locos were surplus and came east for use on the electrified lines out of Grand Central. Since this ssystem was outside third rail, the locos were modified with pickup shoes. Small pantographs were installed and were used for overhead electric pickup within Grand Central where complicated switch trackage had 3rd rail gaps. The Lightning stripes were applied to the locos in the Grand Central Service I believe.
One of my favorites from train watching days in the south Bronx.
The MTH version:
Jim
The MTH version:
Jim
You lived in the Bronx. I lived in New Rochelle not far away. Thats a nice picture you posted.
Not sure how many guys would be interested in this but when these engines were used in Cleveland, under wire, they were operated on 3,000 volts D.C. That high a voltage is OK when you keep the contact way up in the air where no one can accidentally come in contact with it. On the New York City lines leading into Grand Central Terminal, the installation of electric power was built in 1905, or so, and higher D.C. voltages were not possible. In addition, the designers decided to use an "outside third rail" system of power distribution to the engines, and that higher voltage would have simply been way too dangerous.
So, when the Cleveland system was removed in about 1953, and these engines became available, their rebuilding included the change from Pantograph to outside third rail shoes, but also a complete rewiring to make the engines compatible with the NYC plant. They were always thought of as good engines, trouble free and powerful. And, incidentally, they could never have been compatible with either the New Haven or the Pennsylvania's electrification. Both of these systems were high voltage A.C. power.
Paul Fischer
Paul Fischer
So, when the Cleveland system was removed in about 1953, and these engines became available, their rebuilding included the change from Pantograph to outside third rail shoes, but also a complete rewiring to make the engines compatible with the NYC plant. They were always thought of as good engines, trouble free and powerful. And, incidentally, they could never have been compatible with either the New Haven or the Pennsylvania's electrification. Both of these systems were high voltage A.C. power.
Paul Fischer
Paul Fischer
One of the members of the train club I belong to owns the MTH Proto-1 version of the PB-2 Here is a video I took of it pulling my Lionel Heavyweight cars.
~Jeffrey
~Jeffrey
