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Subject: 
Re: Canadian National SD40-2 Diesel Engine V2
Newsgroups: 
lugnet.trains
Date: 
Thu, 10 Oct 2002 18:40:18 GMT
Viewed: 
3068 times
  
> If it was anyone else posting the above I'd let it go.. or just post a "yep,
> well said" because most of the points are valid. BUT, since apparently J2 is
> identifying himself as a nitpicker, I have to point out that there is almost
> certainly a prototype for a 6 axle (as built locomotive) on 4 axle trucks...
> somewhere.

GMD1's.

http://www.trainscan.com/cnlines/cycl/loco/gmd1/

IIRC, at least some GP's and SD's have also changed over...most likely SD's
to GP's.  There isn't _that_ much of an advantage of such a change though,
because a 6 axle loco can be used for the most part interchangeably with a 4
axle loco, whereas for reasons of slipperyness, a 4 axle is not as amicable
for use where a 6 axle loco is used.  (and a 5 axle loco is generally
limited...I do know of 2 classes)

> It is not impossible to retruck something although it is a lot of
> work because of the wiring to the traction motors and the motor blower ducts
> etc, etc. that all need to get rerouted.


Not that much work, depending on style of trucks.  Quite a few earlier locos
have changed truck designs as time went on.

> But not all 3 axle trucks have 3 motors. Some are A1A trucks with an idler
> center axle and have only 2. I am pretty sure I've seen pictures of some
> loco originally built as an A1A-A1A riding on B-B trucks.

See above with GMD1's.   I think they (or similar) are what you are thinking of.

> As to WHY there are 4 axle and 6 axle units in the first place, it has to do
> with axle loadings, motor ratings (tractive force), the maximum traction
> that a single motor can transfer to the rails via a single axle and two
> wheels, and a host of other factors, although if the Canadians want to think
> it's because they're special, that's OK too. :-)

That, and 40 lb branch lines that CN and CP didn't want to spend money
on...that's why steam survived up here after it had ended in the US.

SD=good for lugging
GP=good for speed (higher HP/ton requirements @ speed)

Hope that helps to confuse the issue!
James P



Message is in Reply To:
  Re: Canadian National SD40-2 Diesel Engine V2
 
(...) If it was anyone else posting the above I'd let it go.. or just post a "yep, well said" because most of the points are valid. BUT, since apparently J2 is identifying himself as a nitpicker, I have to point out that there is almost certainly a (...) (24 years ago, 10-Oct-02, to lugnet.trains)

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