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Southern Pacific No.5208 A Tiger-Striped Tank

This striking diesel engine is Southern Pacific No. 5208. Baldwin Locomotive Works built it in 1949 as a road switcher. A "switcher" engine moves trains in and out of a rail yard. The distinct tiger-stripes are based on the engine's original pattern.

Train Stats

  • Model: DRS66-1500 Diesel Electric Road Switcher
  • Truck Type: C-C
  • Engine: Model 608SC, straight 8, 4-cycle
  • Cylinder: 8-12x15 1/2
  • Horsepower: 1,500 hp
  • Weight Loaded: 329,000 pounds
  • Status: Operational

The history of the company that built this engine is quite fraught. Baldwin Locomotive Works was at the top of the business with its steam engines. However, when the age of steam started to die out, they tried unsuccessfully to expand and adapt their catalogue to include diesel engines. They eventually went out of business due to a loss of income during the Depression. WWII placed building restrictions on steel and small switchers. Both of these resulted in the loss of a major contract which led to Baldwin finally going out of business.

Our museum today holds other Baldwin steam engines in our collection. See if you can find them!

Here's a gallery of more photographs of No.5208

Credits:

Photographs courtesy of the California State Railroad Museum