The Baldwin VO1000

While one of the Baldwin Locomotive Works’ most popular diesel-electric locomotive models was the VO1000 switcher (later reclassified and sold as the DS-4-4-1000), the builder is by far best known for its steam locomotives 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, with the Electo-Motive Corporation's introduction of a successful main line diesel-electric locomotive in the mid-1930s Baldwin clung to the belief that nothing could usurp steam which ultimately lead to its downfall as a locomotive builder and its exit from the market very early in 1956.

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!

One of these popular models was the VO1000, which debuted in 1939. The designations behind Baldwin's switchers were engine type (the VO was a diesel engine built by De La Vergne who supplied many prime movers for Baldwin over the years) and horsepower (in this case, 1,000).

Later, Baldwin changed its classification system for its diesel locomotive models by listing type, total axles, powered axles, and finally horsepower. Using the DS-4-4-660 model as an example the DR referred to Diesel Road unit; the first number, 4, was the designation of four overall axles; the second number, 4, was the designation of four powered traction motors; and 660 stood for the horsepower rating (in later models Baldwin would shorten the horsepower number to include only the first two digits of the rating so a 2,000 horsepower unit like the "Babyface" model would be DR6-4-20). Confusing, I know!

The VO1000 had typical design features like many similar models offered by Alco and the Electro-Motive Corporation (EMC). The model was offered with B-B truck arrangement (or two axles per truck) and featured a cab on one end followed by a long hood, which housed the prime mover and other critical components. They were quite versatile in light duty service such as branchline and yard work, which is where most railroads employed them. When production ended on the VO1000 just after WWII nearly 600 were built, which would all but equal Baldwin's total of later cab units and road switchers combined.

Not surprisingly because of the many VO1000s (along with sister model, the VO660) built, combined they make up one of the largest numbers of Baldwin models still preserved today, which can usually be found at museums or tourist lines, some even still operational.

For a total production roster of VO1000s please click here. Also, for more information about the VO1000s and all Baldwin switcher models please refer to the chart below.

Baldwin Switchers

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.