by Jtgshu
Tadman wrote:I've always thought a great way for EMD to make a passenger locomotive would be to offer the JT42 export locomotive to Amtrak in an A1A-A1A configuration. It has less weight and smaller height, meaning it might be optimal for passenger work even out east.An SD70 would fit nicely - but the 4300 HP or so of a V16 710 is pretty slippery with a 4 axle loco (the 6 axles are a problem, like dutch listed above)- trust me, I know......the PL42AC can be VERY slippery and actually slower than a DC GP40 once wheel slip starts.
As for a commuter, I think an SD70 would fit the bill nicely, maybe even a 710-12-cylinder or A1A-A1A variant with an HEP pony motor.
I would think a PL42 DC might be a little firmer footed, wth the way the PL42AC gives power from its inverters, which can be very wierd (That might be an Alstom control system thing too, as the engine itself isn't producing the bursts of power like it puts out to the rails...). Also, in higher horsepower locos, the slower loading of a GE might be helpful for the increased power and less wheel slip, ESPECIALLY in bad rail conditions. Thats obvious with the say P40/P42 compared to the PL42ACs - which ive run both over the same routes with same train consists, the P40 was much more firm footed than the PL42, however, the PL42 is faster (when it has traction and good rail). An engineer who knows how to get the GE to respond and wake up can make it fast and close the gap, but ive never been able to make it go faster than the PL42s
The increased power of the loco over a 3000/3600 HP passenger loco/Geep varient is very nice, but it can come at a cost. More power isn't always better, especailly limited to 4 powered axles. However, I wonder if the C4 (whatever the offical title would be for them) truck that GE developed for the BNSF wouldn't find a place in a passenger loco, as it seems like the best of both worlds kinda, but i would think the added machinery of the truck would be a turn off to a passenger/commuter agency
On the RR, "believe nothing you hear and only half of what you see"
John, aka "JTGSHU" passed away on August 26, 2013. We honor his memory and his devotion to railroading at railroad.net.
John, aka "JTGSHU" passed away on August 26, 2013. We honor his memory and his devotion to railroading at railroad.net.