Stewart Hobbies HO scale Baldwin DS-4-4-1000 (SC) diesel switcher

Stewart Hobbies has added a postwar DS-4-4-1000 (SC) diesel switcher to its line of HO Baldwin locomotives. Introduced in 1948, the DS-4-4-1000 replaced the VO1000 as the 1,000-hp switcher in Baldwin’s line. While it’s similar to its eight-cylinder predecessor, this locomotive produced its 1,000-hp with an improved supercharged six-cylinder diesel engine (hence the SC designation) and was three feet shorter.

Louis Marre’s book Diesel Locomotives: The First 50 Years, (Kalmbach Publishing Co.), lists 446 DS-4-4-1000 (SC) switchers built by Baldwin between 1948 and 1951. These switchers were purchased by 39 railroads including the Pennsylvania RR (137); Baltimore & Ohio (49); Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (41); Reading (30); and Seaboard Air Line (27).

I was unable to locate a prototype drawing, but did find a Union Pacific railroad data sheet with dimensions. Stewart’s DS-4-4-1000 (SC) matches all of these dimensions and its hood details also match prototype photos.

The printed 8½” x 11″ instruction sheet has step-by-step assembly notes on one side and an exploded isometric drawing with part numbers and prices on the back.

The locomotive is packaged partially assembled, so the body shell must be removed to add the details. A little pressure from a flat screwdriver will release the plastic catches which lock the cab, hood, and running boards on the frame.

Appropriate holes need to be drilled in the hood to install the exhaust stack and horn. Drilling guides are provided inside the hood to locate these holes.

The other details are acetal plastic parts. A sprue cutter makes it easy to trim these items off the sprues without damaging the fine cross sections in the railings and grab irons. Then I used a small pair of pliers to press these parts into place on the ends and sides.

The cab has an interior, clear plastic windows, and separate battery box lids.

This model shares the same design and many components introduced in Stewart’s earlier VO1000 including a Canon can motor. The heavy cast zinc alloy frame and flywheels are different, but the Association of American Railroads type A switcher trucks and gearboxes are the same. All of the model’s wheels are driven and pick up electrical power. The wheelsets have RP25 contours and match the National Model Railroad Association standards gauge.

The printed-circuit board on top of the motor controls the constant intensity, reversing, LED headlights. It also has an NMRA recommended practice Digital Command Control socket with a 1¼” x 5/8″ x ¼” space inside the hood for a plug-in decoder.

Accumate knuckle couplers are provided and they’re secured with a plastic clip. These coupler boxes will accept any of the knuckle couplers with shanks like Kadee’s no. 5.

The sample DS-4-4-1000 switcher’s starting voltage is quite low, yet it ran smoothly and steadily at that setting. It pulls about 28 free-rolling cars on straight and level track.

Model Railroader’s sample came neatly decorated in the Atchision, Topeka & Santa Fe’s 1950 paint scheme.

Stewart’s newest Baldwin is another smooth-running model that will look great as a postwar railroad yard switcher or working in present-day industrial setting.

HO Baldwin DS-4-4-1000 (SC) yard switcher

Price: $115

Manufacturer:
Stewart Hobbies, Inc.
140 New Britain Blvd.
Chalfont, PA 18914-1832
www.stewarthobbies.com

Description:
Plastic and metal locomotive

Features:
Accumate knuckle couplers
Cab interior
Constant directional LED headlights
DCC plug
Drawbar pull: 2 ounces
Dual flywheel drive
Engine weight: 8½ ounces
Minimum radius: 15″

Road names:
(Two numbers each)
Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe
Baltimore & Ohio
Chicago Great Western (maroon)
Erie
Ironton RR
Lehigh Valley
Pennsylvania
Reading (dark green)
St. Louis-San Francisco (black)
Soo Line (black and yellow)
Southern Pacific (tiger stripes)