GG1, E44

[Rick Abramson]

The EF-3s had a short time rating of 10,000HP. By all means they should have been around a lot longer. One EF-3 was good for 125 cars; it took 4 GP9s to do the same thing. . .real economics there Mr. McGinnis. The EF-3s were only 16 years old when Alpert pulled the plug on electrification. By 1963 it was apparent to the trustees that the McGinnis/Alpert motive power policies concerning the electrics was a HUGE mistake. Ironically, the de-electrification by the N&W of the former VGN was a blessing for the NH. The NH trustees also checked out the EL-2b's; they were too high for the NH.

[PRR FAN]

While we're discussing PRR freight electric locomotives (motors in PRR parlance), I suggested a couple of years ago that Bachmann produce a PRR P5a.
- 92 motors in two body styles.
- paint schemes stayed the same from when built in 1933/34 to their retirement in 1960's demonstrating longevity
- #4700, first P5a, still exists at National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis, MO which would aid in producing very accurate model of box cab style.
-  Originally designed as passenger engines but became freight only after introduction of sufficient number of GG1's.
- Necessary to truly model action under PRR catenary for over 30 years with the GG1 and MP54 commuter cars.

Needless to say, I'm still waiting.  Seems to me this would be a golden opportunity to really build loyalty of PRR modelers.  Though the PRR succumbed to the 1968 merger creating Penn Central, there are still many of us out here!  Note BLI's many PRR offerings, CON-COR's MP54's, and many diesels by Bachmann, Athearn and others.  I did get the standard gracious reply that this idea was being forwarded to their marketing department, but have heard nothing more.

[electrical whiz kid]

Rick;
That EL-2b was one impressive beast!  Now THAT motor would have looked good on stud of a 125-car carfloat train bound for Cedar Hill!
Question:  The EF-4s:  What was the price the trustees purchased them for?  I seem to remember $20,000 a piece, but I could be way off base.

Rich C.

[Rick Abramson]

PRR Fan:

The term "motor" was not relegated to just the PRR. Many engineers who ran electrics be it on the NH, PRR, GN, VGN etc. called electrics "motors." That "motor" term used only on the PRR was myth created by Al Staufer in Pennsy Power.

Rich: The NH paid $300,000.00 for the 12 EF-4s. The VGN paid $267,710 per unit when new in 1956.
Imagine the EL-2b's painted like the Jets! That would have looked sharp.

Rick