Two 40-ton electric pusher locomotives in operation

These two 40-ton electric side-arm pusher locomotives were placed in service recently on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. These units operate on a special narrow-gauge track between standard railroad tracks. Power is supplied to each unit's two electric motors by a 250-volt third rail. Pincer-shaped arms, which spring out on both sides of the locomotive and hook onto the freight cars, enable the units to move two lines of freight cars simultaneously when necessary. By moving cars swiftly to the unloading area and back again, these side-pushers eliminate the tremendous amount of shuttling required with standard switchers. This installation makes possible the unloading of a 30,000-ton ore boat in 24 hours. The locomotives were built by the General Electric Company.