The Baldwin Baby Face Model

Perhaps the most unique diesel ever constructed was the Baldwin Baby Face model of the DR6-4-20 and DR4-4-15 design (it gained its nickname through its low, sloped nose and large front windows). Of course, Baldwin is far better known for its steam locomotives than its diesels and through the 1940s built some of the best-known and highest quality steamers to ever roam the rails along with its competitors the American Locomotive Company (Alco) and Lima Locomotive Works (Lima).

However, beginning in the mid-1930s the steam locomotive began to receive competition from a new form of motive power, diesel-electrics. Unable to see the advantages of steam over diesel Baldwin, like Alco and Lima, did not spend heavily on research and development of diesels, which was one reason for all three’s eventual exit from the locomotive market (similarly they never saw diesels as an advantageous main line locomotive over steam and merely regarded it to yard and light train duties).

Of the “big three” steam locomotive builders Lima was by far the weakest in terms of the transition to diesel locomotive development. So weak was the builder that it only built a handful of switchers and road switchers, which totaled less than 200 units. This was also partly because the company was only around during the early years of diesel production and all but entirely missed the “booming” years following World War II when it was merged into Baldwin in 1950 (and a year later its diesel line was completely discontinued). Interestingly, there are a few Limas still around, all of which are relegated to museums. So, if you get a chance, be sure and catch these rare beasts in action!

While a bankruptcy in the 1930s would greatly hurt the Baldwin’s diesel development it did begin building diesel switchers and light engines by the late 1930s. Interestingly, these early switchers would be the company’s most successful line of any model they produced, with several hundred built. The Sharknose design itself was actually simply the DR6-4-20 model in a uniquely designed carbody.

Another interesting style of the DR6-4-20 was the double-ended Baldwin Baby Face design built exclusively for the Central Railroad of New Jersey in suburban commuter service during the late 1940s (a total of six were manufactured). While the double-ended design was very popular overseas this was never the case in the U.S. and the Baldwin Baby Face was not only the only double-ended design ever produced here but also the CNJ was the only railroad to ever own it.

You might be also wondering what that all of those letters, dashes and numbers stood for. The DR referred to Diesel Road unit, 6 was the designation of six overall axles, 4 was the designation of four traction motors, and 20 for 2000 horsepower. Confusing, I know!

The DR6-4-20 model was meant to compete with the likes of EMD’s E series and Alco’s PA, both of which were built for passenger service. The reason behind such designs as the Baby Face and Sharknose was Baldwin’s attempt at remaining true to steam locomotive principles whereby each model type was built exactly as the customer wanted it (so like with its steam locomotives, very few of its diesel designs were ever the same) and not standardized as EMD and Alco were doing (now a common practice).

While such practices kept customers happy, at least in regards to the design they wanted, maintaining and building diesels this way became a real headache and very expensive. Ultimately that and other factors (such as management’s steadfast view on steam as a viable source of locomotive power, they were unwilling to develop diesel-electric technology more extensively) made for Baldwin’s quick exit from the locomotive market altogether.

Along with the double-ended Baldwin Baby Face model the company also produced the singe, cab only version known as the DR4-4-15. Also produced in the late 1940s the units were built for CNJ, Missouri Pacific and New York Central with a total of 22 A units and 11 B units constructed. In any event, the Baldwin Baby Face design was mostly unsuccessful and all were retired by the 1960s (due to mechanical troubles and other problems).

For more information on the Baldwin Baby Face design consider one (or both) of the books below. Mike Schafer’s Vintage Diesel Locomotives looks at virtually all of the classic builders and models from Alco PAs to early EMD Geeps. If you’re interested in classic Baldwins, or diesels in general, this book gives an excellent general history of both.

Also, Brian Solomon’s The American Diesel Locomotive also studies many of the same diesel models and builders as Mr. Schafer’s publication although at nearly twice the size the book goes into a bit more detail than Vintage Diesel Locomotives. All in all, though, both books are a great read and you shouldn’t be disappointed with them, not to mention that they are loaded with photos (many in color)!