EMD narrow gauge a/c traction motors.

[M636C]

Three of the Comeng built 3100/3200 electric locomotives have been rebuilt as AC motor electrics, also with Siemens equipment, by United Goninan in Townsville. These 3100/3200 rectifier locomotives have been regarded as less successful than the Clyde Walkers ASEA units. I would expect that QR will wait for the trials of these 3700 class units before buying more diesels. Each of these 3700 will be able to replace one and a half of the older units, so we will probably see three units replacing four on Goonyella trains. These will be using basically the same type of motor as the 4000 class, so there might be a shortage of motors if the conversion program of 80 or so locomotives goes ahead.

Peter

[GMS-AU]

Peter

Thanks for the reply. I have been away for two weeks. I have heard a rumor that there is a shortage of narrow gauge a/c traction motors. QR would otherwise order more of its 4000 class to follow the order by PN. There are enough for the current orders by QR and PN. This may just be a red herring by someone within the industry as I am sure the motors could be sourced anywhere under license.

With the current coal boom QR is unable to haul enough coal and has pulled all of its high speed electrics ( Walkers built 3900's ) off of the coastal runs and regeared them for coal. Some domestic coal will now be hauled by road so as to keep all export coal on rail. As you may have heard ships are waiting up to a week or more to load coal for the hungry Asian markets. Short of emailing EMD I just thought someone may know more.

G M Simpson

[M636C]

The German company Siemens designs all the AC equipment used in EMD locomotives. They indicate that they supply (presumably from Germany) the converters and motors used in the EDI Rail locomotives model GT42CU-AC (QR 4000 and PN Queensland class PN), It is likely that some or all of this equipment is manufactured in the USA for the US market. I haven't been told of a problem with the supply of the motors. Have you been told of delays to construction of the EDI locomotives in Maryborough due to component supply problems?

I can recall the English Electric plant in Salisbury, near Brisbane having to build locomotives without diesel engines and generators in 1971 while waiting for their delivery from England.

Peter

[GMS-AU]

Does anyone know if there is a supply problem with narrow gauge a/c traction motors. I have heard this may be the case, so I presume the motors are EMD like the standard gauge motors. A tough question, but maybe someone here might know.

G M Simpson