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The Baldwin DS-4-4-1000

The Baldwin DS-4-4-1000, like its sister model the DS-4-4-660, was meant to replace an earlier line, in this case the VO1000. While the model name was complicated enough Baldwin also built two versions of the DS-4-4-1000, which used different prime movers and ultimately resulted in being one of the company's most successful small switchers it ever cataloged. Interestingly, Baldwin's more powerful switchers sold relatively well while its less powerful models like the DS-4-4-600, VO-660, and DS-4-4-750 were not nearly as popular with railroads. Unfortunately, though, the company's switchers is all that carried it during the diesel era as its larger road-switcher and cab designs were disliked due to their reliability issues. As such, the Baldwin Locomotive Works, an institution even during its time, left the locomotive market in the mid-1950s.

The Baldwin DS-4-4-1000 followed its predecessor model the VO-1000 in 1946 originally using the company's 608NA prime mover which could produce 1,000 horsepower using a B-B truck arrangement (two axles per truck). Aside from the updated prime mover the model was virtually identical to the VO1000 with all internal components outsourced to Westinghouse and continued to carry a length of 48 feet, 10 inches. The only noticeable difference was the DS-4-4-1000's increased starting tractive effort of 72,000 pounds. In any even, this first version of the model was built through January, 1951 and sold rather poorly as only 56 were ever built for a handful of Class I railroads (the Reading would come to own the most, 14).

However, the second version, which used the company's 606SC prime mover that also produced 1,000 horsepower also offered turbocharging, the first ever Baldwin switcher to feature such an option. Interestingly, production on the updated DS-4-4-100 lasted only until November of the same year, 1951. However, in just 11 months Baldwin was able to sell some 446 DS-4-4-1000s to several Class Is (like the Union Pacific, Chicago & North Western, Reading, Seaboard, Frisco, B&O, and others), smaller railroads, and industries. This time, Baldwin also found interest in Canadian lines, notably the Canadian Pacific Railway. Once again, the company's best customer proved to be the Pennsylvania Railroad which bought 136 examples alone.

As with the DS-4-4-750, the DS-4-4-1000 ended Baldwin's use of its dizzying classification system. To learn more about this odd system please click here. In its place, Baldwin introduced a more standard classification after 1951. For instance, the S-8 and S-12 models, which replaced the DS-4-4-750 and DS-4-4-1000, used the "S" to signify that they were switchers and the numbers designated their horsepower rating, abbreiviated (800 and 1,200 horsepower). Because so many Baldwin DS-4-4-1000s were built several are preserved today across the country including; AT&SF #2260, CP #7069, Katy #106, Oakland Terminal #101, and Reading #702.

Additionally, shortline SMS Lines, which fleets a large collection of Baldwins preferring their incredible ability to pull operations former Copper Range #101 and PRR #9069. Also, for a total production roster of Baldwin DS-4-4-1000s please click here. For technical data on the model please click here. Finally, for more information about the DS-4-4-1000s and all Baldwin switcher models please refer to the chart below.

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Baldwin Switchers

Model Type	Units Built	Date Built	Horsepower
VO-660	142	1939-1946	660
DS-4-4-660	139	1946-1949	660
VO-1000	548	1939-1946	1,000
DS-4-4-1000	502	1946-1951	1,000
S-8	54	1951-1953	800
S-12	451	1951-1956	1,200
DS-4-4-750	53	1949-1951	750

For more information on the Baldwin DS-4-4-1000 switcher locomotive consider Mike Schafer’s Vintage Diesel Locomotives which 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.

You may also want to consider the book Evolution of the American Diesel Locomotive by author J. Parker Lamb. As the title implies the book looks at the history and development of the diesel locomotives, covering 200 pages, from its earliest beginnings to the newest designs and models operated today. If you're interested in perhaps purchasing either (or both) of these books please visit the links below which will take you to ordering information through Amazon.com, the trusted online shopping network.

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