E-R Models - 7309-1 - Locomotive, Diesel, Baldwin RF-16 - Monongahela - 1210, 3709

Model Information: This model was first launched in 2001. E-R Models of New Jersey contracted with Bachmann/Kader to produce this engine in both N and HO. Like all Bachmann products, these models were made in China. It uses a 5-pole skew-wound motor. The couplers are truck-mounted Rapidos. These are not easy to fit with Micro-Trains, so despite the fact that they run well, they will be a headache to use with modern rolling stock unless you use a gender-bender buffer car (Rapido couplers on one end and MTL on the other).

DCC Information: The model is DCC-Ready, but the only known manufacturer of a decoder for it is Digitrax, and they discontinued production of the decoder that fits this model.

Prototype History: The Baldwin RF-16 was a 1,600-horsepower (1,200 kW) cab unit-type diesel locomotive built for freight service by the Baldwin Locomotive Works between 1950 and 1953. All RF-16s were configured with a B-B wheel arrangement and ran on two AAR Type B two-axle road trucks, with all axles powered. A total of 109 cab-equipped A units were built, along with 51 cabless booster B units, for a total of 160 locomotives built. As was the case with most passenger locomotives of its day, the RF-16s came equipped with a retractable, nose-mounted drop coupler pilot. Unlike competing units from EMD and Alco, the RF-16 used an air-powered throttle, meaning that it could not be run in MU operation with EMD or Alco diesels without special MU equipment.

From Wikipedia

Road Name History: Monongahela (reporting marks MGA, although their logos showed MRY until the 1970s) began around 1901 as a joint venture between Pennsylvania Railroad and Pittsburg & Lake Erie to serve a coal producing region along the Pennsylvania – West Virginia border south of Brownsville, PA. Much of the line followed its namesake river. The size of the line changed constantly as nearby shortlines were acquired, coal branches were abandoned and new ones were built. The last major addition was the Waynesburg Southern built in 1968. Mileage for the MGA system hovered around 140 miles for most of its history. They interchanged with PRR, P&LE subsidiary Pittsburgh McKeesport & Youghiogheny in Pennsylvania and with B&O in West Virginia. B&O bought a 1/3 interest in the MGA in 1927.

In the early years, more coke was hauled than coal as dozens of coke oven operations were located on the line. Monongahela did have passenger service linking the mountain communities along the line but this service ended in 1950.

The early steam fleet consisted mostly of 2-8-0’s acquired second hand from PRR and P&LE along with 4-4-0’s for passenger service. Later 2-8-0 and 2-8-2’s were built new following PRR designs. Ex-P&LE Mikes also joined the roster. The 4-4-0’s were replaced by PRR design Atlantics. The last steamer was retired in 1954.

Steam power was replaced with an all-Baldwin diesel fleet. Over several years. MGA acquired 27 S12 switchers. In 1968, they received seven RF-16 shark nose A units and two B units from P&LE parent New York Central. Like the S12’s these were painted black and kept their NYC cigar band nose stripes with the oval MRY logo added to the nose. The 1970s and 80s brought five GP38’s and nine GP7’s (long-hood-forward) to replace the Baldwins. Beginning in 1990, they received eleven B-23-7R’s from GE Capital. These were Super-7’s with the “techno-toaster” body. They arrived in a version of GE Capital’s grey “shark” scheme. Rather than repaint them black, MGA adopted the scheme adding their big red M logo and name to the nose and flanks. In May of 1993, Monongahela Railway was merged into Conrail.

Brand/Importer Information: E-R (Euro-Rail) Models was based at 1000 South Main Street in Newark, New York. The owner's name is Al Muniz. They produced reprints of various models using toolings discarded by Atlas (and possibly other manufacturers). They also produced their own locomotive, the Baldwin RF-16 Sharknose. The model was manufactured by Bachmann in China. E-R filed for bankruptcy in 2001.