Contemporary South American Diesel Locomotives

[NorthWest]

http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/trac ... ution.html

New meter gauge GE B-B+B-B AC unit, the ES43BBi. Seems to be a response to EMD's proposed  SD70ACe/45 and SD80ACe. Interesting that they are using a standard cab, though.

[NorthWest]

Thanks! I suspect it is the same with the C44-EMis and Dash 9-44CWs.

I'm going to amend my earlier comments, I think I do see a span bolster underneath the exposed part of the frame. Also, I doubt curves would be an issue, seeing as the DDM45s don't seem to have too much trouble.

 

[GDRMCo]

AC44is were being built alongside regular AC4400CWs iirc, I think it's just what they decided to call the international version of it (i for IInternational). They're no different from normal AC4400CWs in the US aside from the cab.

[NorthWest]

Thanks, I had missed those changes. Just compared the two phases, and found there to be slight handrail differences in the later units as well, they have flat plates welded on the stanchions about halfway up. (I also wish that GE would plug the hole where a lower headlight would go...) Fascinating units.

Are the AC44is mechanically different from AC4400CWs? I've looked, but can't find any spotting differences (other than the low clearance cab). Did GE just revamp their nomenclature after the FDL was phased out in the US?

[GDRMCo]

The movement to the high headlights and numberboard placement begins at 225, my South American contacts don't know why they changed either.....just completely random. They also changed to a different design of radiator and fuel tank (bigger capacity) and the fuel tank is the most noticeable change due to the air tanks no longer being in a recess in the right hand side of the tank.

Far as I know the EFC line was built around 1970 and to quite modern standards aswell as quite mild gradients, this allows the use of only 3 of the big units per 334 car train.

[NorthWest]

Thanks, I assumed as much, but was unable to see. I suspect that these would have to operate on curves sharp enough that the potential for added friction on the interior wheel flanges (with independent bolsters) would be an issue.

I've done more research, and it appears that the first 10 (2000 series) are rated at 5800 HP and have headlights and number boards on the short hood; while the remaining 60 (200 series) are rated at 5300 HP. Somewhere between units 221 and 225 the headlights and number boards migrated to the cab roof. EFC operates with three to a train of 334 cars, which is impressive.

[GDRMCo]

I believe there are span bolsters under the 8-axle 80ACe.

The 5300hp ES58ACis (the most recent order) were built as 5300hp and it's to do with running on B20 biodiesel, not problems with the prime mover.

[NorthWest]

Thank you very much!

My post: (after the one with the picture, before the one without)

Thanks, I had forgotten the differences between EMD's Brazilian and North American production. (Although, the first order was built at London.) I need to take a more in depth look at EMD Brazil's catalog.

This is designed to compete with the GE BB40-9WMs? Both EFVM and VLI have purchased those. 

It appears that the trucks on the 8 axle locomotive are 2 axle versions of the non-radial  truck used in SD70ACe production, but I can't tell from the drawing if they are connected by a span bolster or not.

Does GE have a similar unit planned? I would expect something along the lines of a B+B-B+B ES58ACi, although the FDL can still be used (and is, for the AC44is).

(If rumors I have heard are correct, at least some of the ES58ACis have been derated to 5300 HP due to  problems, exactly what these are I am not sure.)

Thanks for the information.

[SD70M-2Dude]

The eight axle units have been mentioned already, but what about the regular old six axle ones, I am specifically interested in the ES58ACi and how the GEVO-16 is holding up in service.  CSX was dissatisfied enough with their "ES60AC" conversions to de-rate them back to 4400 hp; have Vale et al had more success?

[GDRMCo]

As asked....

The first 7 SD80ACes were built at London correct, my South American contact has lead me to believe there's another 23 on order (23 or 33, can't remember exactly) for Vale so it's likely more will be built down there as they're already building the SD70ACe/45.

And yes, it's designed to be an AC traction competitor to the BB40-9WM of which Vale(EFVM), VL! and ALL have purchased, VL! and ALL are rumored to be interested in the 8-axle version of the SD70ACe/45 while Vale(EFVM) is interested in the 8-axle SD80ACe.

The 8 axle SD80ACe is simply for narrow gauge or light axle load railways and is aimed at mainly the South American railways and their use of USDM locos on their NG lines.

It's also only 5300hp. The Normal 6 axle SD80ACe isn't really a special order, it can only be sold as an export locomotive and EMD Brazil has been using that model as their platform for both 16-710 (4500hp SD70ACe/45) and 20-710 (5300hp SD80ACe) models. Can't be sold in the US as it only meets Tier 1.

[NorthWest]

I'd like to continue this conversation, but keep it out of the other thread...