| CR FL9 5057, Croton, New York, July 1981, photo by Joseph R. Quinn, Chuck Zeiler collection. Built as 2057 November 1960 (c/n 22003) for the New Haven (NYNH&H), it was the third to last F unit built. In 1956, the NH began to replace it aging passenger power with the dual-power (diesel-electric or third rail 600 VDC) FL9, eventually purchasing 60 of this model. The first 30 units (#'s 2000-2029) were 1750 horsepower produced by a 16-567C diesel, were equipped with nose MU connections, dynamic brakes, and had overhead current collection devices. The second 30 units were 1800 horsepower produced by a 16-567D1, but lacked the nose MU's, dynamic brakes, and overhead collection devices. However, at least 17 units in the 2030-2059 group received nose MU's under Penn-Central ownership. The first two built were equipped with Blomberg trucks on the front. After testing, it was changed to a Flexicoil model, which was used on all subsequent FL's. The rear truck is a Flexicoil A-1-A truck (meaning the middle axle is not powered), its purpose is to spread the locomotive's weight across one more axle to allow operation over the Park Avenue Viaduct in Manhattan. Third rail power pick-up shoes are mounted on wooden beams on the trucks to allow straight electric operation into New York City's Grand Central Station. The FL9 is four feet longer than a FP9, which in turn is four feet longer than a F9. The extra length accommodates the steam generator and water tanks for train heating and the additional electrical gear for straight electric operation. This particular locomotive worked for the New Haven, Penn-Central, Conrail, and CDOT. |