Hobbies And Interests
Ingalls Locomotives Planned but Not Produced
Ingalls had plans to build a switching engine (Model 16-S) featuring 660 hp. Another switching engine, (Model 5-S) was planned to get up to 1000 hp. A passenger locomotive (Model 17-S) was to deliver up to 2000 hp, and another model the 3-S was to have 1000 hp.
Model 4-S Engine
The Model 4-S -- the G M &O 1900 -- the only locomotive actually produced by Ingalls, was powered by a large adapted marine engine that produced 1650 hp., and at 660 rpms, produced 1500 hp. for traction. Although it was the second-slowest engine on the market at that time, it made up for its slowness by hauling more tonnage than any other freight locomotive.
Other Model 4-S Innovative Features
Another feature that was new to American-built locomotives was a type of passenger area built in the rear of the unit that allowed the crew comfort and safety by sheltering them from inclement weather. Also, the unit was easy to board and dismount.
The turret cab on the 4-S was not duplicated until 1961, 16 years after the Ingalls cab was built, when the newer German-made cab was offered to American railroads; however, the newer cab failed due to excessively high maintenance costs.
This Ingalls locomotive proved tough when it derailed and landed on its top, after rolling down an embankment. Three weeks after it was up-righted and dragged back to the station, it was back in commission.
Model 4-S Demise
In service from 1946 to 1967 and frequently used in Mobile's Frascati yard, the 21-year-old locomotive was finally offered for sale for $3000, but no one was interested, so later that year it was hauled to Pilet Bros, dismantled and sold for scrap.