by Tommy Meehan
I didn't want to add this to the dual cab diesel thread (and I think EP5s can easily support their own thread) but just to add one small clarification to the history of ignitron rectifier (Mercury arc) locomotives: In 1951-52 the Pennsylvania Railroad received ten experimental electric freight locomotives, six from General Electric and four from Westinghouse. The six GE locomotives were PRR Class E2b and used conventional transformers. However the four Westinghouse locomotives, PRR Class E2c and E3b used Ignitron rectifiers.
As stated on page 253 of Electric Railways 1880-1990 by Michael Duffy, based on its experience Westinghouse expected to get the New Haven Railroad's order for ten Ignitron rectifier-type electric locomotives. The order, however, went to General Electric and as a result Westinghouse withdrew from the U.S. locomotive market. Duffy notes that, prior to ordering the Ignitron rectifier type locomotives, the 100 4400 series MUs the New Haven ordered in 1954 were also equipped with Ignitron Rectifiers.
As stated on page 253 of Electric Railways 1880-1990 by Michael Duffy, based on its experience Westinghouse expected to get the New Haven Railroad's order for ten Ignitron rectifier-type electric locomotives. The order, however, went to General Electric and as a result Westinghouse withdrew from the U.S. locomotive market. Duffy notes that, prior to ordering the Ignitron rectifier type locomotives, the 100 4400 series MUs the New Haven ordered in 1954 were also equipped with Ignitron Rectifiers.