The Baldwin S-8

The Baldwin S-8 was meant to replace its DS line, notably the DS-4-4-750 (but also including the DS-4-4-660 and DS-4-4-1000) and offered roughly the same horsepower on a similar frame and axle setup. The S-8 itself was not extensively different from its earlier counterpart although it did feature an upgraded prime mover of the same version used in the DS-4-4-750. Perhaps the most noticeable difference with the S-8 was merely its designation, as the Baldwin Locomotive Works looked to simplify its earlier classification of complicated numbers, dashes, and letters. Overall, the S8 was not a particularly successful design although its successor, the S-12, did see decent sales numbers. Today, at least two S-8s are preserved; U.S. Pipe & Foundry #37 at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum and Medford Corporation #8 at the Southern Oregon Chapter of the National Railroad Historical Society.

At 46 feet in length the Baldwin S-8 was nearly identical to the DS-4-4-750 using the same basic frame and design (end cab and long trailing hood). The one operational standout of the S-8, aside from its 50 extra horsepower, was its increased tractive effort; 59,550 starting and 34,000 pounds continuous. This gave the locomotive the ability to pull a string of loaded cars with relative ease while being agile and light enough (just 99 tons) to be used almost anywhere. Because of this, several industries found the S-8 quite useful. In any event, the S-8 was one of Baldwin's first models to feature a more standard classification with the simply the letter designating the motive power type (switcher) and 8 referring to the horsepower rating (800).

One particular note of interest about the Baldwin S-8s were the nine cow-calf sets purchased by Oliver Mining. A photo of these locomotives is featured above to give you an idea of what they looked like, as the company was the only buyer to request such a setup (Oliver also ordered other cow-calf sets from Baldwin). The units were numbered 1200A-1206A, 1214A-1215A/1200B-1206B, 1214B-1215B and Oliver had on order a tenth set but later canceled this after it was already completed. Baldwin then retrofitted the B unit with a cab and resold it as a standard S-8. For a total production roster of Baldwin S-8s please click here. Also, for technical data on the model please click here. Finally, for more information about the S-8s and all Baldwin switcher models please refer to the chart below.

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Baldwin Switcher Locomotives

For more information on the Baldwin S-8 switcher 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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