The worst diesel locomotive ever when delivered new was the Alco C855 for Union Pacific. It was built as an A-B-A set, numbered 60, 60B, and 61.
After being delivered in Omaha and set up, the set was placed on a west bound freight train, with much pomp. As the train left the units went through the first stage transition, and then the electrical cabinets on all three units exploded! A switcher was sent out to tow the train back to the yard.
Upon inspection it was discovered that the electrical cabinets were wired backwards. So much for Alco quality control.
Stuart
