PRIOR TO 1939 The Baldwin Locomotive
Works had never made any very active effort to put itself
in the position of a builder of competitive Diesel switching
locomotives. Within recent years, however, it has become
increasingly evident that this particular field is a large and growing
one, and the Company, therefore, has turned its energies to the
designing and building of Diesel switchers in order to take
advantage of the opportunities offered for the sale of this equipment.
We believe we have made very definite progress in this
direction, for we have designed and constructed Diesel switchers of
the two sizes which are today mostly in demand by the railroads,
namely 1,000-horsepower and 660-horsepower units.
These new locomotives have been critically examined and
approved by a considerable number of railroad engineers. Moreover,
the performance of the locomotives already delivered indicates
that we have developed an engine in which we may take some
justifiable satisfaction. A good locomotive does not, however,
meet the whole competitive situation, and the ability to make
prompt delivery is essential. Realizing this fact, Baldwin is now
building Diesel locomotives of the two capacities mentioned for
stock in order that they may be available to fill without delay
the demands of the railroads.
The manufacture of these Diesel switchers for stock purposes
is a new policy for Baldwin, but one justified by the growing
acceptance of this type of switcher for transfer and yard service.
As a result of studies now being made, Baldwin hopes in the not
too distant future to enter the Diesel road locomotive field with
a design which will warrant the attention of our railroad friends.
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