So Bachmann is coming out with a GG1. Congrats. When will we see an E44? You already have the frame and trucks and most of the body in the E33.
No plans at the moment. Honestly the E33 wasn't the hottest selling loco as evidenced by the fact that it has not been reissued...
Hi.
The Spectrum E33 locomotives were very nice units. I run the N&W and Virginian version units in consist. A Sound Value re-issue of these models would be a pleasant surprise.
All the best.
Reinhard
having witnessed the real e33s, if you want sound, turn on your vacuum cleaner when you run them, that's what they sounded like.
I believe the E-44 would outsell the E-33. 69 units built total 66 for PRR and 3 for Muskegum Electric. PRR/PC/CR/Amtrak roadnames. Existing E-33 frame correct length, existing trucks correct. Existing E-33 mechanism could be used so lower tooling/setup costs. Being a PRR prototype means multiple purchases by PRR modelers. I think you would be surprised. --- Ken McCorry
Sad to have seen a lot of these PRR "motors" scrapped; totally unnecessary in my opinion; with proper maintenance and replacement of electricals as they [got] older and updatable with contemporary parts available. Frames and superstructure could last a hundred years. Same with New Haven E-series equipment. McGuinnis was an idiot as well as a crook!!!!
Rich C.
Mr Bachmann, I know the E-33 was not the best seller as far as models go, but with just 10 original locos built for the Virginian and then second hand status for the rest of the roads they plied, I can understand that.
66 locos for the PRR as the mainstay of freight service on Penn electric lines is another story altogether.
Check out sales of brass E-44's on Ebay, you will see what I am referring to. I purchased an Alco Models E-44 in 1972 and another from Ebay 3 years ago. I keep looking for another bargain. I also have 2 Bachmann New Haven E-33's and would purchase E-44's.
I have pictures I took of PC E-33's only because they were among E-44's and GG-1's in Kearny, NJ.
John B
I agree that the E44 would clearly outsell the E33. The biggest reason is that the PRR is so widely modeled and the mistake was releasing an E series loco that was never used by the PRR. THe E44 was, however and I believe that this would contribute to more sales?
The E44 in the PA Railroad museum in Strasburg is a thing of beauty!
What was the problem with what Bachmann did? The New Haven EP-4 was a lifesaver in my opinion; as one of the more intelligent moves the New Haven receivers made.
Other question: What is the difference between an E-33 and an E-44? Personally, I always liked the Pennsylvania E-44s-thought they were a handsome beast!
If I wasn't so lazy, I would probably do catenary, but guess what?...
Rich C.
There were no PRR E33s, and that's why I am looking for a 44.
Unfortunately... :(
Jim: I think you meant there were no PRR E-33's. They only came to ex-PRR rails after Conrail.
Yes, that is exactly what I meant, thanks :)
Could someone please tell me the differences between a New Haven EF-4 and an E-44?
Rich C.
The VGN class EL-C 3,300hp electrics were sold to NH which called them EF-4 in their classification system. When NH was sucked into Penn Central, PC changed the classification again, this time E-33.
While based on the E-33, the E-44 4,400hp electrics came along later and were built specifically for the PRR. Aside from the hp difference, they were bigger than the E-33 and had a different pantograph set up.
Len
Len;
Yeah, I knew about the Faivley pans; quite frankly, I like to old G.E. pans better.
You mentioned 4400HP. Did you know that the New Haven EF-3s could suck down enough juice to raise 9,000HP on a start? Bet that carbon shoe was smoking hot!!! I always said that those beasts would have still been around today, if it weren't for old Patty and his team of crooks.
Rich C.
The EF-3s had a short time rating of 10,000HP. By all means they should have been around a lot longer. One EF-3 was good for 125 cars; it took 4 GP9s to do the same thing. . .real economics there Mr. McGinnis. The EF-3s were only 16 years old when Alpert pulled the plug on electrification. By 1963 it was apparent to the trustees that the McGinnis/Alpert motive power policies concerning the electrics was a HUGE mistake. Ironically, the de-electrification by the N&W of the former VGN was a blessing for the NH. The NH trustees also checked out the EL-2b's; they were too high for the NH.
While we're discussing PRR freight electric locomotives (motors in PRR parlance), I suggested a couple of years ago that Bachmann produce a PRR P5a.
- 92 motors in two body styles.
- paint schemes stayed the same from when built in 1933/34 to their retirement in 1960's demonstrating longevity
- #4700, first P5a, still exists at National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis, MO which would aid in producing very accurate model of box cab style.
- Originally designed as passenger engines but became freight only after introduction of sufficient number of GG1's.
- Necessary to truly model action under PRR catenary for over 30 years with the GG1 and MP54 commuter cars.
Needless to say, I'm still waiting. Seems to me this would be a golden opportunity to really build loyalty of PRR modelers. Though the PRR succumbed to the 1968 merger creating Penn Central, there are still many of us out here! Note BLI's many PRR offerings, CON-COR's MP54's, and many diesels by Bachmann, Athearn and others. I did get the standard gracious reply that this idea was being forwarded to their marketing department, but have heard nothing more.
Rick;
That EL-2b was one impressive beast! Now THAT motor would have looked good on stud of a 125-car carfloat train bound for Cedar Hill!
Question: The EF-4s: What was the price the trustees purchased them for? I seem to remember $20,000 a piece, but I could be way off base.
Rich C.
PRR Fan:
The term "motor" was not relegated to just the PRR. Many engineers who ran electrics be it on the NH, PRR, GN, VGN etc. called electrics "motors." That "motor" term used only on the PRR was myth created by Al Staufer in Pennsy Power.
Rich: The NH paid $300,000.00 for the 12 EF-4s. The VGN paid $267,710 per unit when new in 1956.
Imagine the EL-2b's painted like the Jets! That would have looked sharp.
Rick