Lima 1200 HP Diesel Switcher in three rail?

Sign me up! The NYC had some Lima diesel switchers and road switchers ("Wait - is that an Alco RS-1? No! It's a Lima!"), and the PRR had those big transfer Limas, which MTH has offered in PRR (and also incorrectly lettered for the Soo and others - those were Baldwins).

When Baldwin and Lima "merged" (as in bigger Baldwin took over), the Lima diesel designs were discarded, and the Baldwin designs were produced, and we all know how well that turned out. Lima was the smallest and most adventurous of all the steam builders, coming up with the "Super Power", big-firebox steamers in the 1920's (sort of the external combustion version of Chrysler's 1950's "Hemi" V-8's and its decendants). I have read, for what it's worth, that Lima's diesel designs locomotive were considerably "better" than Baldwin's, though in what particulars I know not.

Lima diesels - rare and cool. I'll take one or two.

Well, as I have often griped, you might be able to hunt one down in HO.  Thanks for the interesting history,  I'd like to see other comments on Lima diesels, as I was familiar with their "super-power" steam, but knew zip about their diesels, although I have seen that four window cab before.  Wonder what were all the roads they sold those to?

Before Baldwin came along, Lima Locomotive Works had a short relationship with Hamilton Engines.   Lima's diesel engines were all powered by Hamilton, which were 6 and 8 cylinder, in-line engines with HP ranging from 750 to 1200, all of which were very slow turning engines, developing their HP at 950 rpm.  Most of the engines had previously been used in marine and heavy equipment applications.  One very interesting engine that they did produce was a two-engined, center cab "transfer" locomotive, of a claimed 2500 HP.  Only 22 of these monsters were built, all being purchased by the Pennsylvania, RR.  They looked similar to the more popular Baldwin transfer locomotives, numbered; DT-6-6-20, which reported sales of about 75 units, but to a number of different railroads.

The Lima engines were assembled at the Lima steam locomotive shops in Lima, OH.  The prime movers were built in Hamilton, OH a number of miles south of Lima.  The electrical systems, generators, motors, etc. were manufactured by Westinghouse.  They would certainly be a novel engine for anyone's collection or layout, particularly for a Pennsy fan.

Baldwin bought Lima Hamilton in 1950, but discontinued that production.  All Baldwin-Lima Hamilton production ended in 1956

Paul Fischer

I would take the demo model and the fantasy Prr version in a heartbeat.

Seriously, I doubt mfg would make this model since few roads had them. A Blw s12 switcher was more popular. I hope that both of these models do come to fruition in the future for 3 rail.

I have been familiar with the Whitewater Valley road for years, but only paid much attention to their steam, including a SMALL Heisler that I think was just stored there, and that I would buy instantly in three rail.  Since I favor the different, the underdogs, I should go take a look at that Lima diesel.   Must be really fun for a small tourist road to keep a low production locomotive such as these operating, although there should be more diesel maintenance skills surviving than steam.  Seems many, if not all, of the roads that bought them, as pictured above (thanks!), operated in their state of manufacture, Ohio,  (can't read the emblem on the cab of "#1200") although it looks like the L-H emblem (=demonstrator).  And, as always, I want to know if any operated on western roads.  I assume you can have all the models of these you want in HO?

Of note, two gentlemen went to work at L-H that had worked at ALCO, sorry I can't remember their names, and may have had the influence on the appearance of the L-H units (I believe there was a thread here a year or so ago mentioning that). And, if I remember correctly, Baldwin used the L-H transfer unit design for their transfer unit. I think the L-H units were 2500 HP. MTH did a transfer unit.

Yes, they would make a good addition!

Who has a complete roster of them and the years they were in service?

Andrew

I was wrong, at least today, in that lots of these could be found in HO...I only found one expensive brass one in a search.  Maybe no plastic ones have been done.....

colorado hirailer posted:

I have been familiar with the Whitewater Valley road for years, but only paid much attention to their steam, including a SMALL Heisler that I think was just stored there, and that I would buy instantly in three rail.  Since I favor the different, the underdogs, I should go take a look at that Lima diesel.   Must be really fun for a small tourist road to keep a low production locomotive such as these operating, although there should be more diesel maintenance skills surviving than steam.  Seems many, if not all, of the roads that bought them, as pictured above (thanks!), operated in their state of manufacture, Ohio,  (can't read the emblem on the cab of "#1200") although it looks like the L-H emblem (=demonstrator).  And, as always, I want to know if any operated on western roads.  I assume you can have all the models of these you want in HO?

3 of the Lima-Hamilton switchers are preserved at Whitewater Valley; here's beautifully maintained 25 smoking it up:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhrrGUncEnQ

Cab ride time:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmXAr7ToprQ

The NYC had a number of Limas, both switchers and road-switchers. The PRR had, as mentioned, the big transfer units (which have sold well - in MTH form - I think). NYC always attracts buyers.

I think that "there weren't very many of them" is not at all a valid reason to pass on a model of a piece of equipment. Quite the opposite. Many of our models are of one-of-a-kinds, though these do, indeed, tend to be the flashy and splashy one-offs (PRR S1 Duplex; S2 Turbine, for example) - but, the very rarity of a prototype can be a selling point for a model of it.

Plus, just sayin', there were only 26 New York Central Niagaras. A rare loco by many standards. Modeled in 3RO by Williams (brass), Lionel, MTH, 3rd Rail (brass). Of course, a 4-8-4 is a bit more prepossessing than a diesel switcher...

Would a Lima switcher and road-switcher sell like the RS-1 and GP-7? Nope. But, most models don't. And the "unique Lima" angle could be a plus. 

If you build it, they will come, in sufficient numbers, I do believe. I would order one in a flash - 2 if you produce both the switcher and the road-switcher in NYC.