Perhaps someone will know the answer to a couple of questions I have concerning the Empire Builder. Back in the 1930s GN used their new Baldwin S2s to pull the Builder. Were the passenger cars at that time heavyweights? And, at the head end did GN use exress cars (REA) as part of the consist or were they used only on more localized passenger service?
the goat
The Empire Builder was basically a steam (4-8-2’s and then 4-8-4’s) and heavyweight car train until 1945, when E-units began to be used on it. In 1947, the first green-and-orange streamlined cars started service. (BTW GN diesels wore the “Empire Builder” scheme for about 6 years before the Empire Builder did!!)
However the EB did have a few semi-streamlined cars; coaches with six-wheel trucks and riveted sides, but with the window arrangement and flat roof of streamlined cars.
I don’t recall ever seeing a pic with REA cars in the EB of that period, I would think that would be more likely to be in the GN’s mail trains or secondary transcontinental trains like the Oriental Limited / Western Star.
I almost replied to this as follows:
“What? First of all, Alco built S-2’s, not Baldwin. And I really don’t think the GN would’ve used diesel switchers to pull their crack train. Besides, Alco was still producing their HH series switcher in the 1930’s - the S-1 and S-2 didn’t hit the market until 1939, I think.”
Fortunately, I caught my mistake (that you were referring to GN’s class S-2 4-8-4’s) before making a total fool of myself. Just shows you how long it’s been since the steam era.
Tom
I know what you mean! The number of times people have misunderstood me when I say that “I can’t wait for PCM to come out with their S-2 already!”
Dan, they were fine steamers. Definitely fit for the crack passenger trains of the time!
S-2 is more than one locomotive.
yes S-2 is an alco switcher.
To GN, however, an S2 is the 4-8-4 steam locomotive. With a vanderbilt tender and in the glacier green paint scheme, it was a classic locomotive. It was a popular model made by Tenshodo in HO.
Ah, yes, the good old days…the S-1’s had 73" diameter drivers, the S-2’s had 80" drivers. amazing the difference almost 2 feet additional circumference per revolution makes, eh? I think I recall they had around 300 psi steam pressure too! Those giants could really move! jc5729 John Colley, Port Townsend, WA