PRR Centipede on its way!

[Boldri]

This engine is my love at first sight, until that time I knew only EMD F/E series that I like too, but this old lady is different. First gen diesels were designed by designers and artists not only by railroading practice as novadays. So maybe here is their magic glamor.:)

Yep, it's ALCo DL-109 build in 1940s and as Centipede it had two prime movers. They were also as cabless DL-110 units, but as far as I know NH didn't had them in roster. Other roads who used it were ATSF, GM&O, MILW and CN&W. Rock Island used their unit as famous "Rocket" well into the sixties.

[dejoh]

RI_621[1].jpg

I've seen this unit pulling commuter trains in the Beverly neighborhood (Chicago) around 1975.
When I lived there. This was before Metra. What a sight to see.

[bpetit]

So how come the Centipede was a flop? I can only imagine the maintanece this thing required.

[Boldri]

I read somewhere the main problem of Centipedes maintenance was fact, that every unit has its own unique setup. Very bad for maitenance gang if blueprints for traction motor connecting to electrical systems were exact on one, but totally messed on another unit. Shops were forced to just go and try to find the right solution for many repairs, this made maitenance stops very long and expensive.

[Chacal]

I finally bought the Centipede and it is a great engine.
The part of the "Testing the power" scenario, where we have to start on a 2% grade and getthe engine to overheat, had me on the edge of my seat. I have never watched a gauge so intently. Devious!

Screenshot_Horseshoe Curve_40.48133--78.55003_17-55-38.jpg

[philmoberg]

... I have never watched a gauge so intently. ...

Sounds like a couple of flights I had over the mid-Pacific on a B377 in FS9.

Since I just got this beast myself, I'll be looking forward to this scenario.

[CR4125]

Found this guy hiding out in the electrical cabinet

[jwtheiv]

I am really loving this engine - especially the start-up sequence. Fantastic job.

[Chacal]

Found this guy hiding out in the electrical cabinet

Yeah I've been wondering about him too. Maybe he's mistaken the electrical cabinet for the restroom.

[Chacal]

I'm looking at the lua scripts for this engine and I can't imagine how long it took to develop this engine.
It will take me days to just understand the scripts.
Hats off to Reppo!