[PRR-talk] [PRR-FAX] 2 questions about PRR's PA's

[TGREGMRTN at aol.com]

Fred writes:

 
 
 

"Folks,

I'm looking for some additional info about PRR  PA's:

1. After they were regeared for dual service in 1954 (to class  AFP-20), did 
the A units occasionally show up in east-west passenger service  for the next 
several years, at periods of peak travel? (I know the B-units  remained in the 
passenger pool for a bit). Or were they pretty much used in  freight service, 
period?

2. In freight service, did they venture west  of Pitts. much? The shots I've 
seen have all been in PA, particularly around  Altoona.

Thanks for any info,

Fred R."  
=========================================================================== 
Fred, 
After the ALCO PA-1's were refitted with new GE traction motors and  
re-geared for dual service they did seem to spend much of there careers in  freight 
service. As noted they did see service in New Jersey in commuter  service and 
yes they were an improvement over the EMD E-7's, that it is my  understanding, 
could not keep a ridged schedule, where the Baldwins and ALCO"s  could. 
There is a photo of a trio of PA-PB-PA in freight service in Don Ball,  Jr.'s 
book Portrait of the Rails, From Steam to Diesel on page 233 and the  caption 
reads in part, "... three elegant PA's on the Pennsy ore train  northbound 
between Flint and Lewis Center, Ohio..." 
I would guess the photo to be about 1954 - 1955 as the 5753 has new paint,  
stand-off number boards, a three chime, traction motor vents on the nose  
(signifying the new traction motors), the pilot still has doors and she still  has 
her original turbo-supercharger and a full set of shirts. 
I would love to believe that these Greyhounds were still pulling  scheduled 
passenger trains on their dashes to and from the east but the is  just not a 
lot photography to support it, but on your Railroad it could be so.  There are 
photos of them in passenger service in the eat during this period  but what 
about the others? 
The role of freight duties was a mistake in my most humble opinion as it  
makes little sense to expect a locomotive of her weight to perform as well as  a 
four axled unit. Less weight on rail and high horse power make for an  
interesting challenge for even the best engineer. 
I would love to know what happen to 5750 after 1952. you just don't see  
photos of her and I can't tell you if she made the jump to re-build status  with 
the same as above. I am sure someone must know. 
Greg Martin 

.

 
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