The point was well made already that the top gearing was a margin below MAS of where the units would run. The high speed gears could also be a detriment. That would be a higher minimum continuous speed. This would potentially fry motors, if the speed dropped too low, but a high throttle position was required. The other issue is acceleration. With high gears, it is analogous to trying to start off a manual transmission car in about third or fourth gear. It was mentioned that New Haven had the lowest gearing offered. The Shore Line is not a straight, flat line across the prairie. There were many speed restricted curves. Having the low gears allowed the units to accelerate out of the restrictions quicker.
Railroad Forums
Alco PA Top Speed for certain railroads?
- Discussion of products from the American Locomotive Company. A web site with current Alco 251 information can be found here: Fairbanks-Morse/Alco 251.
