PRR Class L5

The Class L5 was the PRR's second generation of electric traction power in their electrified portion of the Northeast. The class primarily served as an experiment for future electric motive power for a potential mainline electrification across the steep grades of the Horseshoe curve all the way to Pittsburgh. The primary purpose of the experimental class was to test different methods of powering the locomotive with the lead unit powered by overhead AC collected via a primary panto-graph which i have represented here. While the other 24 in the class were powered by third rail DC allowing them to work in the tunnels under the Hudson to New York. The Locomotives had a top speed of 70mph with four, 835 horsepower electric motors totaling in 3340 horsepower.
They managed to displace the first generation DD1's in service but the L5 did not prove as reliable as the DD1's with considerable issues with weight distribution with its long non articulating wheelbase that would be unsuitable for long distance electrification. The first was constructed in 1924 and they would be withdrawn from service around 1944 and all unfortunately scrapped. While the PRR never expanded electrification across the Horseshoe curve, this remains a very interesting experiment that is largely forgotten in American rail history.