| The “Second Generation” of diesels met a growing demand for larger and more powerful diesels, designed for both high-speed and heavy low-speed freight trains. These improved locomotives were quickly replaced by even more powerful models and assigned to heavier mainline trains or yard and local switching jobs, making them old before their time. The GP30 can be identified by its distinctively-styled roofline. Many crews disliked the cabs for their noise, poor heating, and lack of headroom. The E-44 class electric, built with a silicon rectifier, delivered an amazing 5000 horsepower. Referring to its pair of three-axle trucks and boxy carbody, train crews often called the E-44’s “bricks.” The unit served the PRR in freight service for five years before becoming part of Penn Central and finally Conrail. Amtrak considered using the big electric for maintenance-of-way service on the Northeast Corridor until newer federal regulations addressing the use and disposal of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), a toxic chemical used to cool the transformer, made its operation cost prohibitive. A sole unit, No. 4465, was officially turned over to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania on April 27, 1991. |