Hot Water posted:PRR 5841 posted:Hello everyone,
I seem to recall that unlike previous versions which had both V-12’s facing “Backwards”, the final iteration of this popular series had its rearmost V-12 turned around for reasons concerning better weight distribution and more steam generating capacity. Having the “Front” of each engine facing the middle allowed for a single, albeit slightly larger accessory rack to accommodate both engines which allowed more room in back for steam generation capacity. While cosmetically not the prettiest unit in the series, arguably the best mechanically.
Was the E9 in fact the only one of the series to receive this modification?
Yes. The proposed next model, the E10, for the Union Pacific, who was the last RR to purchase E Units, was never ordered/built.
I did some further research and was able to corroborate PRRJIM’s opinion as true. “Classic Trains” summer 2012, pg. 33
In short, it was the E8 that first had its rear engine turned around, this design change was later applied to the E9 as well.
