GE 45-ton switcher explained

GE 45-ton switcher
Hatnote:References:
Powertype:Diesel-electric
Builder:GE Transportation Systems
Buildmodel:45-ton switcher
Builddate:April 1941–October 1956
Aarwheels:B-B
Uicclass:B′B′
Locoweight:43to
Primemover:two Cummins HBI-600 or 855NTC diesels in later models
Rpmrange:1,800 rpm (max)
Aspiration:Normally aspirated
Displacement:672cuin or 855cuin
Tractionmotors:Two, one per truck. Chain or side rod drive to second axle on each truck
Cylindercount:6 per engine
Cylindersize:NaNx
Minimumcurve:502NaN2
Maxspeed:20mph
Poweroutput:2 x 150hp
Tractiveeffort:270000NaN0
Locobrakes:Air
Trainbrakes:Air

The GE 45-ton switcher is a 4-axle diesel locomotive built by General Electric between 1940 and 1956.

Equipment

The locomotive was equipped with two 150hp Cummins diesel engines, each driving a GE 1503 generator which, in turn, drove one of the two GE 733 traction motors, one per truck. In early models, the second axle on each truck was driven with side rods. Later models had chain drives inside the trucks that served the same purpose.

A traditional train air brake was optional, but all came with two compressors (one per engine) and a straight-air independent (locomotive) brake. The cabs were spacious for the size of the locomotive. Both the engineer's and fireman's seats were raised almost two feet on platforms (under which was the brake equipment, if applicable), to provide better visibility during switching.

Uses

The GE 45-ton was extremely versatile and many variants existed. It has a high weight to power ratio and has excellent traction, rated to be able to pull 20 loaded freight cars on level track. They were built with a short wheelbase for use in industrial plants, yards, and other places where clearances were tight. Although intended as switcher locomotives, they sometimes served mainline duties, although nearly all had an imposed speed limit of 200NaN0 due to the double reduction gearing of their traction motors.

Preserved examples

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Catskill Mountain Railroad . Catskill Mountain Railroad . 24 August 2021 . Kingston, NY . 2021.
  2. Web site: Locomotive Delivery Success! . https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/Bt-lz_QMOI8 . 2021-12-13 . live. East Terminal railway . YouTube.com . 24 August 2021 . 24 August 2021 . Cincinnati, Ohio . en.
  3. Web site: The Old Dominion Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society - Home . 2021-11-25 . 2021-11-25 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211125155526/https://olddominionchapter.com/ . dead .
  4. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4c26fed707b922df0038e4/1593043920053-2P4W3HV5UFV77KPSRB8I/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kEGzRaHwiPVzojBuNclnOFBZw-zPPgdn4jUwVcJE1ZvWQUxwkmyExglNqGp0IvTJZamWLI2zvYWH8K3-s_4yszcp2ryTI0HqTOaaUohrI8PI-qnlotIJPJHnXtD4TuXE-nxEP6Ck66GwSkWOR5FGIMkKMshLAGzx4R3EDFOm1kBS/45+Tonner+Team+Shot+ReCrop.jpg Tonner Team Image
  5. Web site: Rochester Gas & Electric #1941. Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum. 14 November 2014.
  6. Web site: "Newly Arrived: AC&F No. 8" . https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/iTtJ2bdN9Vc . 2021-12-13 . live. Railroading Rambler . 29 August 2020 . 26 August 2021.
  7. Web site: Avallone . Elaine M. . Locomotive delivered to Lowville for proposed scenic rail line (VIDEO) . NNY360 . 26 August 2021. August 27, 2020. A train enthusiast’s dream of developing a scenic railroad from Lowville to Carthage is on track to become a reality.