The BLH AS-16 was a
diesel-electric locomotive rated at 1,625
hp (1,212 kW), that rode on two-
axletrucks, having a
B-B wheel arrangement. It was the successor to Baldwin's
DRS-4-4-1500 model, and remained in production until
Baldwin-Lima-Hamilton quit the locomotive manufacturing business in 1956.
Nine railroads bought 127 locomotives, with five railroads having bought the previous model. None have survived into preservation.
6022–6027 were a cancelled order by the Reading Co., The 6 were built in 1953 with dynamic brakes and conventional mu (as opposed to BLW's air-controlled design). In 1956 the P-RSL acquired the units and had the dynamic brakes removed, BLW air-controlled mu installed, only №'s 6024 to 6027 had steam boilers installed.
The AS-16 was designed as an all-around useful locomotive, capable of
freight or passenger service.
The engine had optional benefits such as a
steam generator or
dynamic brakes.
The AAR Type B truck warranted higher speed than its siblings, the
AS-416 and
AS-616, with their three
axle trucks.