Baldwin "DT-6-6-2000" Locomotives: Specs, Roster, Data Sheet
Last revised: December 28, 2024
By: Adam Burns
The DT-6-6-2000 was one of the most interesting models released by a major manufacturer.
This design was a specialized type of locomotive intended for use in heavy drag service over short distances, such as on terminal railroads or moving cuts of cars between local yards.
Believing that there was a market for such, Baldwin released the DT-6-6-2000 directly after World War II, one of first models to employ the company's own prime mover.
For a switcher, it was massive and, ironically longer than virtually every road switcher or cab unit on the market at that time.
As John Kirkland explains in "The Diesel Builders: Volume Three," the locomotive featured dual control stands for maximum flexibility, thus allowing operation in either direction without turning the locomotive.
Ironically, for a design geared towards switching, the DT-6-6-2000 retained a high-hood on both ends, thus restricting a crew's 360-degree view from either the ground (seeing the engineer) or the cab.
Unfortunately, the design had mechanical issues and railroads were never really interested in such a specialized locomotive resulting in fewer than 50 constructed when production had ended.
Photos
A Baldwin Locomotive Works builder's photo featuring one of its massive DT-6-6-2000 transfer switchers, demonstrator #2000, in December, 1948. This unit became Santa Fe #2606. Unfortunately, the transfer market never really took off and coupled with Baldwin's chronic reliability issues few of these sold. Despite their problems, Baldwin's diesels could certainly pull thanks to their powerful Westinghouse traction motors. For this reason, short line SMS Rail Lines in New Jersey still employs a rather sizable fleet of Baldwins in freight service.Overview
The DT-6-6-2000 was an incredibly large switcher, originally cataloged in May of 1946. At over 70 feet in length, and weighing a hefty 360,000 pounds (180 tons), the switcher was certainly one of the largest, longest, and heaviest of its kind ever built.
It utilized two of Baldwin's 608NA prime movers equipped with C-C trucks and producing 2,000 horsepower. Even into the 1940s, Baldwin still shrugged off the notion of diesels as main line freight locomotive.
The company also held the philosophy that any such model it did produce should be customized to whatever task a railroad desired or requested.
Santa Fe DT-6-6-2000 #2602 goes for a spin on the turntable at Redondo Junction (Los Angeles); July, 1956. American-Rails.com collection.This notion harkened back to the days of steam, which were always manufactured and tailored to a railroad's specific needs.
This specialization led to the DT-6-6-2000's development. The switcher's classification was similarly based from the steam era and is why it includes many letters, dashes, and numbers.
The "DT" referred to Diesel Transfer while the first "6" referred to six overall axles; the second "6" referred to six powered traction motors; and "2000" stood for the horsepower rating.
The original DT-6-6-2000 variant was Elgin, Joliet & Eastern #100 completed on May 13, 1946. As a test-bed unit it was slightly different from the production DT-6-6-2000's with normally aspirated (NA), 8-cylinder engines and no crosswalks.
The latter was a feature requested on production DT-6-6-2000's, increasing their overall length by nearly 4 feet.
EJ&E #100
| Delivery Date | 5/13/1946 |
| Baldwin Class | 0-6-6-0-1000/2 NA5 |
| Engine | 608NA, 8-Cylinder In-Line (2) |
| Engine Builder | De La Vergne |
| Horsepower | 2000 |
| Carbody Styling | Baldwin |
| Length (Between Coupler Pulling Faces) | 70' 6" |
| Weight | 365,000 Lbs |
| Height (Top Of Rail To Top Of Cab) | 14' |
| Width | 10' |
| Trucks | C-C |
| Truck Type | GSC Rigid Bolster |
| Truck Wheelbase | 13' |
| Wheel Size | 42" |
| Traction Motors | 370F (6), Westinghouse |
| Traction Generator | 480C, Westinghouse |
| Auxiliary Generator | YG40D, Westinghouse |
| Gear Ratio | 15:63 |
| Tractive Effort Rating | 64,200 Lbs at 9.4 MPH. |
| Top Speed | 60 MPH |
Data Sheet and Specifications
| Entered Production | 3/3/1948 (Elgin, Joliet & Eastern #101) |
| Years Produced | 3/3/1948 - 8/23/1950 |
| Baldwin Class | DT-6-6-1000/2 SC |
| Engine | 606SC, 6-Cylinder In-Line, Supercharged |
| Engine Builder | De La Vergne |
| Turbocharger | Model H-503 (Elliott Company) |
| Horsepower | 2000 |
| RPM | 625 |
| Carbody Styling | Baldwin |
| Length (Between Coupler Pulling Faces) | 74' |
| Weight | 354,000 Lbs (Optional ballasting up to 375,000 Lbs.) |
| Height (Top Of Rail To Top Of Cab) | 14' |
| Width | 10' |
| Trucks | C-C |
| Truck Type | GSC Rigid Bolster |
| Truck Wheelbase | 13' |
| Wheel Size | 42" |
| Traction Motors | 370G (6), Westinghouse |
| Traction Generator | 480F, Westinghouse |
| Auxiliary Generator | YG40D, Westinghouse |
| Gear Ratio | 15:63 |
| Tractive Effort Rating | 64,200 Lbs at 9.4 MPH. |
| Top Speed | 60 MPH |
Production Roster
Total Built = 45
| Owner | Road Number | Baldwin Serial Number | Construction Number | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elgin, Joliet & Eastern | 101 | 1 | 73709 | 3/3/1948 |
| Elgin, Joliet & Eastern | 102 | 2 | 73710 | 3/7/1948 |
| Elgin, Joliet & Eastern | 103 | 3 | 73711 | 3/13/1948 |
| Elgin, Joliet & Eastern | 104 | 4 | 73712 | 3/19/1948 |
| Elgin, Joliet & Eastern | 105 | 5 | 73713 | 4/1/1948 |
| Elgin, Joliet & Eastern | 106 | 6 | 73714 | 3/31/1948 |
| Elgin, Joliet & Eastern | 107 | 7 | 73715 | 4/8/1948 |
| Elgin, Joliet & Eastern | 108 | 8 | 73716 | 4/21/1948 |
| Elgin, Joliet & Eastern | 109 | 9 | 73717 | 4/23/1948 |
| Elgin, Joliet & Eastern | 110 | 10 | 73718 | 4/29/1948 |
| Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe | 2600 | 11 | 73748 | 6/3/1948 |
| Elgin, Joliet & Eastern | 111 | 12 | 73719 | 5/6/1948 |
| Elgin, Joliet & Eastern | 112 | 13 | 73720 | 5/7/1948 |
| Elgin, Joliet & Eastern | 113 | 14 | 73721 | 5/24/1948 |
| Elgin, Joliet & Eastern | 114 | 15 | 73722 | 6/5/1948 |
| Elgin, Joliet & Eastern | 115 | 16 | 73723 | 6/7/1948 |
| Elgin, Joliet & Eastern | 116 | 17 | 73724 | 6/25/1948 |
| Elgin, Joliet & Eastern | 117 | 18 | 73725 | 7/1/1948 |
| Elgin, Joliet & Eastern | 118 | 19 | 73726 | 7/6/1948 |
| Elgin, Joliet & Eastern | 119 | 20 | 73727 | 7/12/1948 |
| Elgin, Joliet & Eastern | 120 | 21 | 73728 | 8/2/1948 |
| Elgin, Joliet & Eastern | 121 | 22 | 73729 | 9/9/1948 |
| Elgin, Joliet & Eastern | 122 | 23 | 73730 | 8/13/1948 |
| Elgin, Joliet & Eastern | 123 | 24 | 73731 | 9/13/1948 |
| Elgin, Joliet & Eastern | 124 | 25 | 73732 | 9/13/1948 |
| Elgin, Joliet & Eastern | 125 | 26 | 73733 | 9/13/1948 |
| Trona Railway | 50 | 27 | 74123 | 4/22/1949 |
| Trona Railway | 51 | 28 | 74124 | 4/22/1949 |
| St. Louis Southwestern Railway (Cotton Belt) | 260 | 29 | 73532 | 5/28/1948 |
| Minneapolis, Northfield & Southern | 20 | 30 | 74137 | 12/17/1948 |
| Minneapolis, Northfield & Southern | 21 | 31 | 74138 | 12/30/1948 |
| Minneapolis, Northfield & Southern | 22 | 32 | 74139 | 1/12/1949 |
| Minneapolis, Northfield & Southern | 23 | 33 | 74140 | 1/14/1949 |
| Minneapolis, Northfield & Southern | 24 | 34 | 74141 | 1/18/1949 |
| Baldwin Locomotive Works | 2000 (2nd): Became Santa Fe #2606 | 35 | 73980 | 12/1/1948 |
| Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe | 2601 | 36 | 74434 | 8/10/1949 |
| Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe | 2602 | 37 | 74435 | 7/26/1949 |
| Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe | 2603 | 38 | 74436 | 11/23/1949 |
| Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe | 2604 | 39 | 74437 | 12/8/1949 |
| Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe | 2605 | 40 | 74438 | 11/29/1949 |
| Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic | 300 | 41 | 74668 | 10/25/1949 |
| Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic | 301 | 42 | 74669 | 10/23/1949 |
| Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic | 302 | 43 | 74670 | 10/24/1949 |
| Baldwin Locomotive Works | 2001 (2nd): Became Elgin, Joliet & Eastern #126 | 44 | 74671 | 2/1/1950 |
| Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic | 303 | 45 | 74672 | 8/23/1950 |
Reception
As it turned out there was not much of a market for the transfer switcher; Baldwin ultimately only sold 46 units by the time production had ended in February of 1950.
The Elgin, Joliet & Eastern purchased the most, 27 (including one of the demonstrators), and actually became quite famous for its fleet although they would later be re-powered with Electro-Motive's reliable model 567 prime movers.
With EMD power plants the locomotives remained in service into the 1970's. Today, one Baldwin DT-6-6-2000 remains preserved; former Minneapolis, Northfield & Southern Railway #21 at the Illinois Railway Museum.
Sources
- Foster, Gerald. A Field Guide To Trains. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1996.
- Kirkland, John F. Diesel Builders, The: Volume Three, Baldwin Locomotive Works. Pasadena: Interurban Press, 1994.
- Pinkepank, Jerry A. Diesel Spotter's Guide. Milwaukee: Kalmbach Publishing Company, 1967.
- Solomon, Brian. Baldwin Locomotives. Minneapolis: Voyageur Press, 2009.
Recent Articles
-
B&O Railroad Museum Rebrands
Jul 15, 26 03:23 PM
The historic B&O Railroad Museum, long celebrated as a cornerstone of American railroad heritage, announced on July 14, 2026, that it is changing its name to the National Museum of Railroad History… -
Amtrak’s Empire Builder – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 15, 26 12:56 PM
Complete 2026 guide to Amtrak’s Empire Builder. Route overview, best scenic sections, schedules, what to expect, and tips for riding this iconic long-distance train through the northern United States. -
Washington ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 15, 26 11:39 AM
Here’s a detailed look at where and how to ride, what to expect, and practical tips to make the most of wine tasting by rail in Washington. -
Kentucky ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 15, 26 11:37 AM
Kentucky, often celebrated for its rolling pastures, thoroughbred horses, and bourbon legacy, has been cultivating another gem in its storied landscapes; enjoying wine by rail. -
Best THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Rides Across the United States 2026
Jul 15, 26 11:04 AM
Discover the best THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Rides in the US for 2026. Top locations, what to expect, dates, and tips for this magical holiday experience based on the beloved story. -
Indiana ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jul 15, 26 09:20 AM
This piece explores the allure of murder mystery trains and why they are becoming a must-try experience for enthusiasts and casual travelers alike. -
Ohio ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jul 15, 26 09:14 AM
The murder mystery dinner train rides in Ohio provide an immersive experience that combines fine dining, an engaging narrative, and the beauty of Ohio's landscapes. -
Arizona ~ Wild West ~ Train Rides
Jul 15, 26 09:06 AM
Let's delve into the captivating world of Arizona's Wild West train adventures, currently offered at the popular Grand Canyon Railway. -
Michigan ~ Wild West ~ Train Rides
Jul 15, 26 08:49 AM
While the term 'wild west' often conjures up images of dusty plains and expansive deserts, Michigan offers its own unique take on this thrilling period of history. -
Amtrak’s Coast Starlight – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 14, 26 02:24 PM
Complete 2026 guide to Amtrak’s Coast Starlight. Route highlights, best scenic sections, schedules, what to expect, and tips for riding one of America’s most beautiful long-distance trains. -
Best Steam-Powered Scenic Train Rides in the Eastern U.S. 2026
Jul 14, 26 01:21 PM
Discover the best steam-powered scenic train rides in the Eastern U.S. for 2026. From Cass Scenic Railroad Shays to Strasburg and other heritage steam operations — schedules, highlights, and tips. -
Indiana - Beer Tasting - Train Rides
Jul 14, 26 12:34 PM
On select dates, the French Lick Scenic Railway adds a social twist with its popular Beer Tasting Train—a 21+ evening built around craft pours, rail ambience, and views you can’t get from the highway. -
Wisconsin ~ Wild West ~ Train Rides
Jul 14, 26 12:10 PM
Through a unique blend of interactive entertainment and historical reverence, Wisconsin offers a captivating glimpse into the past with its Wild West train rides. -
Georgia ~ Wild West ~ Train Rides
Jul 14, 26 11:46 AM
Nestled within its lush hills and historic towns, the Peach State offers unforgettable train rides that channel the spirit of the Wild West. -
Florida ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 14, 26 11:34 AM
Wine by train not only showcases the beauty of Florida's lesser-known regions but also celebrate the growing importance of local wineries and vineyards. -
Texas ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 14, 26 10:05 AM
This article invites you on a metaphorical journey through some of these unique wine tasting train experiences in Texas. -
New Mexico ~ Wine Tasting ~Train Rides
Jul 14, 26 09:26 AM
For oenophiles and adventure seekers alike, wine tasting train rides in New Mexico provide a unique opportunity to explore the region's vineyards in comfort and style. -
Tennessee ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jul 14, 26 09:10 AM
Amidst the rolling hills and scenic landscapes of Tennessee, an exhilarating and interactive experience awaits those with a taste for mystery and intrigue. -
California ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jul 14, 26 09:01 AM
When it comes to experiencing the allure of crime-solving sprinkled with delicious dining, California's murder mystery dinner train rides have carved a niche for themselves among both locals and touri… -
North Carolina ~ Wild West ~ Train Rides
Jul 13, 26 01:49 PM
North Carolina, a state known for its diverse landscapes ranging from serene beaches to majestic mountains, offers a unique blend of history and adventure through its Wild West train rides. -
Pennsylvania ~ Wild West ~ Train Rides
Jul 13, 26 01:45 PM
The Keystone State is home to a variety of historical attractions, but few experiences can rival the excitement and nostalgia of a Wild West train ride. -
New York ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 13, 26 01:40 PM
This article will delve into the history, offerings, and appeal of wine tasting trains in New York, guiding you through a unique experience that combines the romance of the rails with the sophisticati… -
Michigan ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 13, 26 01:35 PM
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Michigan’s wine tasting train experiences that cater to both wine connoisseurs and railway aficionados. -
Illinois ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jul 13, 26 01:32 PM
Among Illinois's scenic train rides, one of the most unique and captivating experiences is the murder mystery excursion. -
Vermont ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jul 13, 26 01:28 PM
There are currently murder mystery dinner trains offered in Vermont but until recently the Champlain Valley Dinner Train offered such a trip! -
The Flying Scotsman’s American Adventure: LNER 4472’s U.S. Tour
Jul 13, 26 12:02 PM
In the fall of 1969, a gleaming British steam locomotive unlike anything most Americans had ever seen rolled into Boston and spent the next four years touring the U.S. -
Amtrak's California Zephyr – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 12, 26 01:04 PM
Explore Amtrak’s California Zephyr, one of America’s most scenic long-distance train routes. Complete 2026 guide with highlights, best times to ride, what to expect, photography tips, and fall foliage… -
Alabama ~ Wild West ~ Train Rides
Jul 12, 26 12:25 PM
Although Alabama isn't the traditional setting for Wild West tales, the state provides its own flavor of historic rail adventures that draw enthusiasts year-round. -
Indiana ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 12, 26 12:22 PM
In this article, we'll delve into the experience of wine tasting trains in Indiana, exploring their routes, services, and the rising popularity of this unique adventure. -
South Dakota ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 12, 26 12:04 PM
For wine enthusiasts and adventurers alike, South Dakota introduces a novel way to experience its local viticulture: wine tasting aboard the Black Hills Central Railroad. -
New Mexico ~ Murder Mystery ~ Train Rides
Jul 12, 26 11:41 AM
Among Sky Railway's most theatrical offerings is “A Murder Mystery,” a 2–2.5 hour immersive production that drops passengers into a stylized whodunit on the rails. -
Michigan ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jul 12, 26 11:36 AM
Among the lesser-known treasures of this state are the intriguing murder mystery dinner train rides—a perfect blend of suspense, dining, and scenic exploration. -
Best Christmas and Holiday Train Rides in the Eastern U.S. 2026
Jul 12, 26 11:05 AM
Discover the best Christmas and holiday train rides in the Eastern U.S. for 2026, including Polar Express experiences, Santa trains, and festive scenic journeys. Plan your magical rail adventure this… -
New York ~ Wild West ~ Train Rides
Jul 12, 26 09:53 AM
Join us as we explore wild west train rides in New York, bringing history to life and offering a memorable escape to another era. -
Ohio ~ Wild West ~ Train Rides
Jul 12, 26 09:38 AM
For those enamored with tales of the Old West, Ohio's railroad experiences offer a unique blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty. -
Western Pacific's 4-6-6-4 "Challengers" (M-100)
Jul 11, 26 11:29 PM
In the late 1930s, the Western Pacific stood at a crossroads. Traffic volumes were recovering from the Great Depression, and the railroad needed more powerful, faster locomotives to move longer freigh… -
Cass Scenic Railroad Fall Foliage Trips 2026 – Complete Guide
Jul 11, 26 04:28 PM
Plan your 2026 fall foliage trip on the Cass Scenic Railroad. Complete guide to the Bald Knob route, schedules, what to expect, photography tips, and why this West Virginia steam train ride is one of… -
Best Fall Foliage Scenic Train Rides in the Eastern United States 2026
Jul 11, 26 03:16 PM
Discover the best fall foliage train rides in the Eastern U.S. for 2026. From steam-powered mountain climbs in West Virginia to scenic heritage railroads across the Appalachians and beyond — plan your… -
Missouri ~ Wild West ~ Train Rides
Jul 11, 26 11:27 AM
In Missouri, a state rich in history and natural beauty, you can experience the thrill of a bygone era through the scenic and immersive Wild West train rides. -
Indiana ~ Wild West ~ Train Rides
Jul 11, 26 11:17 AM
Indiana offers a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of the Wild West through its captivating train rides. -
North Carolina ~ Whiskey Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 11, 26 11:05 AM
One of the GSMR's most distinctive special events is Spirits on the Rail, a bourbon-focused dining experience built around curated drinks and a chef-prepared multi-course meal. -
West Virginia ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 11, 26 10:45 AM
West Virginia, often celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, offers visitors a unique way to explore its rolling hills and picturesque vineyards: wine tasting trains. -
Utah ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 11, 26 10:42 AM
Utah, a state widely celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty and dramatic landscapes, is also gaining recognition for an unexpected yet delightful experience: wine tasting trains. -
Virginia ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jul 11, 26 10:12 AM
Among the state's railroad attractions, murder mystery dinner trains stand out as a captivating fusion of theatrical entertainment, fine dining, and scenic travel. -
Maryland ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jul 11, 26 10:02 AM
Maryland is known for its scenic landscapes, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture, but did you know that it’s also home to some of the most thrilling murder mystery dinner trains? -
U.S. Rail Traffic Surges 8.7% in Holiday Week Ending July 4, 2026
Jul 10, 26 03:39 PM
Despite the Independence Day holiday (which fell on a Saturday), U.S. freight railroads delivered an impressive performance, posting an 8.7% year-over-year increase in total traffic -
APSL Nears Acquisition Of B&O Depot In Paw Paw, WV
Jul 10, 26 11:44 AM
After decades of quiet abandonment, a dedicated preservation effort by the Allegany Preservation Society Limited (APSL) is racing to secure its future— having already raised approximately 90 percent o… -
Minnesota ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jul 10, 26 10:05 AM
Murder mystery dinner trains offer an enticing blend of suspense, culinary delight, and perpetual motion, where passengers become both detectives and dining companions on an unforgettable journey. -
Georgia - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jul 10, 26 09:32 AM
In the heart of the Peach State, a unique form of entertainment combines the thrill of a murder mystery with the charm of a historic train ride. -
Vermont ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 10, 26 09:29 AM
Known for its stunning green mountains, charming small towns, and burgeoning wine industry, Vermont offers a unique experience that seamlessly blends all these elements: wine tasting train rides.
%3B%20July%2C%201956.%20American-Rails.com%20collection.){kind=link}