| This rare Fairbanks-Morse diesel sits in front of the Boston Engine Terminal but represents a potentially new directon for the Fairbanks-Morse company. This diesel model was a streamlined, 1,200 hp (890 kW) locomotive built between 1957–1958 by Fairbanks-Morse, specifically to operate on each end of the Talgo train produced by American Car and Foundry. This P-12-42 model represented F-M's attempted entry into the lightweight locomotive market, but only four of the low-slung units were produced. The P-12-42's eight-cylinder opposed piston engine was rated at 1,600 horsepower (1,200 kW) after 1950, but train lighting and other ancillary loads ("hotel" power) used about 25% of output, leaving 1,200 horsepower (890 kW) for traction. The Boston & Maine set was nicknamed the "Speed Merchant" and lasted until 1964. The photo is from the Conniff collection. |