LETX 20 is in newton kansas yard, very odd looking locomotive. On the side it says:
LeTourneau drive system, built on experience, driven by vision
Went to a website, talks about some drive systems, but nothing really about the locomotive itself. Curious if anyone has any info on this locomotive.
http://www.letourneau-inc.com/dsg/news.htm This is a link to their web page, and another link to a pic taken in wichita on rrpicturesarchive. http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=84222
I'll see if I can't get a picture of it sometime soon. The engine was not running and no one seemed to anything.
QUOTE: Republic Locomotive Works (Republic)Republic entered the locomotive market in the 1980's when theyopened a shop at Greenville, SC. They built some industrials,a pair of RL1000 1000 HP Cat engined switchers, a single RS120 (a rebuilt SW1200), a pair of RL1350 passenger locos (RL1000s with 350 HP HEP sets) and a RL2000 (a 2000 HP Cat engined rebuild of a GP35). They then switched over to Detroit Diesel engines and built one RD20, a 2000 HP switcher. The RL1350s were a total failure. Republicsoon went out of business; the shop was sold at auction in 1996. Republic will be most remembered for rebuilding several FL9As and FL9ACs under sub contract to ABB.Republic did return to the locomotive business (as Republic Transportation Systems), but only as a builder of small industriallocomotives. Construction was done by Blue Ridge Steel at theold RLW facility.
QUOTE: The RD20 In mid-March 1993, Republic Locomotive announced it had successfully field tested its new RD20 model locomotive. Developed in conjuction with Detroit Diesel Corporation, the four-axeled RD20 prototype features a 2000-hp Detroit Diesel 16V-149TI DDEC engine, an 8000 amp a.c. alternator and d.c. traction motors. Republic says "the RD20 is the first diesel locomotive produced in North America to utilize a totally solid state Silicon Controlled Rectifier control system" which "eliminates all electromechanical switchgear, contactors and relays while permitting individual axel control for improved wheel slip control." The RD20 can be operated with a cruise control-style feature which automatically maintains a set speed regardless of changes in track curvature and gradient. A cellular communications package transmits locomotive diagnostic information which can be monitored remotely by maintenance personnel at any location with access to a computer, modem and phone line. Republic's RD20 design can be modified for any horsepower rating up to 2500 h.p. and is available in four- and six-axel configurations in most track gauges. An optional Head End Power generator is also available.
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