Tunnel Motors??

[Anonymous]

Why do they call them tunnel motors and what type of engine is it? (ie: GP 60)

Thanks, Ben

[Anonymous]

the first tunnel motors were electrical, they were called "tunnel motors" because they didn't foul the air in tunnels like steamers did. after the transition to diesel the need for tunnel motors was pretty much eliminated.

[espeefoamer]

Tunnel motors came in two models, SD 40T-2 and SD45T-2.They are called tunnel motors because they take air in for cooling the radiators from low on the unit instead of near the exhaust fans.This kept the engines from getting choked up from drawing in the hot air that accumulated in long tunnels.The only two origanal buyers were SP and the Rio Grande.SP had both SD40T-2s and SD45T-2s. Rio Grande bought only SD40T-2s.

[electrolove]

Here is two pictures of a tunnel motor. Rio Grande 5405. And you can see as espeefoamer explained where it takes the air.

[loathar]

If you want to have fun, go over to the Trains mag forum and ask about tunnel motors and why and how they work.Just watch the slew of different answeres you get.[:P]

[Anonymous]

U gotta love those DRGW T-Motors!! [:D]

[Anonymous]

Aie wants sssommm! They ssstole its fruuummmeee!

I hunting couple in N scale. I might go with the Intermountain versions.

[West Coast S]

The Clinchfield tested a D&RGW set and placed an order with EMD for a even dozen, the CSX takeover of Clinchfield killed the deal.

Dave

[Morpar]

There are still quite a few of them out and about. I recently got some photos of a former SP SD45T-2 in Frankfort, IN. I was doing a little looking, and found something even stranger though. Some of the D&RGW SD40T-2 units made it to Brazil and were modified a little. Instead of a pair of 6-wheel trucks underneath, they have 2 pairs of 4-wheel trucks with extended frames! There are some other changes that have been made too, like I think that they may also be NARROW GAUGE now! Here is a link to the category for these:
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/locoList.aspx?mid=996
And then an actual photo:
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=128282
The site also has photos of Brazilian BB36-7, BB40-2, BB45-2, and DDM45MP locos from here:
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/modelList.aspx
I did a Google search and got a little information, but not much. I am considering a model now though.....

Just what I need, ANOTHER danged project!!!!