Centipedes. Here is an original photo that I took of a Pennsylvania Railroad "Centipede" locomotive in Altoona, Pennsylvania, during the Summer of 1960. Shown here is PRR engine #5820 built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1948. Standing in front of it is Mr. Ken Sellers ~ a long-time resident of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, who worked as a hostler for the PRR. Mr. Sellers was kind enough to give me an unofficial, inside look at several Diesel units stored next to the Roundhouse in East Altoona ~ including #5820. This engine was built originally for passenger service; it generated 3,000 horsepower, and so was classified as a BP-60. Due to various chronic problems, however, it was converted to helper-only duty by 1952; it generated only 2,500 horsepower then, and so was reclassified as a BH-50. |