Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

EMD proposed dual mode SD40-2

2213 views
7 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    September 2002
  • 216 posts
Posted by KemacPrr on Sunday, September 24, 2023 2:50 PM

EMD did built two electrics in the 75-76 time period that ran on PC and CR. In early Conrail they were considering extending the electric territory to Conway but that did not come about. The GM GM6C #1975 was built on a SD-40-2 frame and trucks. 

  • Member since
    January 2013
  • 1,034 posts
Posted by PM Railfan on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 1:29 PM

This is a blast from the past. I remember this topic being discussed many, many years ago. It stood out because Garrett AiResearch is the same company that mounted this HUGE turbo and intercooler onto my 87 Buick Ferrari eater. A gas-hydraulic loco if you will, instead of diesel-electric.

I thought it strange the same company went from turbos to diesel locos.

I also seem to remember - wasnt this about the same era Russ Rowland was showing diesel heads (and the world) the benefits of steam power (Re: C&O 614'T')?

railroads are always lqqking for 'bigger better faster'.... for pennies on the dollar!

So instead of pantographs, we got the safety cab. And the ACE-3000 was nothing more than a drawing. Some where later Catapiller power came into the frame as well as some strange looking road units.

I tell ya, if a kitchen sink could pull cars theyd put wheels under it! And more power to them. railroads have been one of the shining innovators in our countrys history. Look at all they have given us. Including the resources and power for you to be reading this, right now.

 

Clear Ahead!

PMR

 

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • 21,669 posts
Posted by Overmod on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 10:56 AM

At last, the reply issue is supposed to be fixed for good!

The 'dual-mode-lite' SD40-2 was not developed by EMD, but as part of a project by Garrett AiResearch.  There were four parts to the report, the last of which was not available on the Web until comparatively recently -- this is important because the detail design of the converted SD40-2 changed in the period between publication of the technical discussion (volume 2) and the inclusion of wayside storage (volume 4).  While you should continue to study the large side elevation and diagram of the proposed locomotive, the actual appearance would have followed that of the drawing on p.43 of the PDF version of volume 4, which included AAR-recommended cab modifications.  (A version even a few years later would have to be emended to feature an S.580 cab, not a terribly difficult exercise but one requiring some engineering care...)

There are several important reasons why dual-mode-lite train handling would involve consisting no different from the standalone diesel performance (i.e. no increased train resistance to 'take advantage' of the higher power available in electric mode).  The expenses involved with switching and reblocking for this, as opposed to using the extra 'horsepower' for quicker acceleration to road speed or helping/snapping on grades, likely outweigh the nominal benefits of running longer consists per train only on electrified sections.

  • Member since
    March 2011
  • 1,950 posts
Posted by NVSRR on Friday, August 18, 2023 12:26 PM

So. Looking at the document.  I see in 1980, a lot of lines were thinking possible partial electricfication if they expressed interest in this type of unit.  Not just conrail which had some electrified expennsy territory.   This makes for a bunch of interesting what if ideas for model railroads.  I am tempted to see if a kit ash could be done.

 

shane

A pessimist sees a dark tunnel

An optimist sees the light at the end of the tunnel

A realist sees a frieght train

An engineer sees three idiots standing on the tracks stairing blankly in space

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 8,877 posts
Posted by maxman on Friday, August 18, 2023 12:16 PM

Was this supposed to be DC and DCC?

  • Member since
    August 2011
  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
  • 6,250 posts
Posted by "JaBear" on Friday, August 18, 2023 11:45 AM

https://railroads.dot.gov/sites/fra.dot.gov/files/fra_net/15203/PB81191314%5B1%5D.pdf


Photos of the completed kit bash would be much appreciated.Wink

Cheers, the Bear.Smile

"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."

  • Member since
    March 2011
  • 1,950 posts
Posted by NVSRR on Friday, August 18, 2023 11:20 AM

Only railroad having a use for that would be conrail.  Maybe the technical historical society wpuld have something.  Which dual mode was being proposed?

shane

A pessimist sees a dark tunnel

An optimist sees the light at the end of the tunnel

A realist sees a frieght train

An engineer sees three idiots standing on the tracks stairing blankly in space

  • Member since
    May 2011
  • 187 posts
EMD proposed dual mode SD40-2
Posted by IA and eastern on Thursday, August 17, 2023 2:46 PM

On YOUTUBE there was a 1980 drawing of an EMD proposed SD40-2 dual mode locomotive. Is there anywhere that i could this drawing? Gary

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!