GE 45-ton switcher

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GE 45-ton switcher
1942 GE 45 Ton locomotive at the Texas Transportation Museum, Mar 2017.jpeg
GE 45-Ton (Side rod Driven) at the Texas Transportation Museum
Type and origin
References: [1] [2] [3]
Power type Diesel-electric
Builder GE Transportation Systems
Model45-ton switcher
Build dateApril 1941–October 1956
Specifications
Configuration:
   AAR B-B
   UIC B′B′
Gauge 4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm)
Minimum curve 50 ft (15.24 m)
Loco weight43 to 50 short tons (38 to 45 long tons; 39 to 45 t)
Prime mover two Cummins HBI-600 or 855NTC diesels in later models
RPM range1,800 rpm (max)
AspirationNormally aspirated
Displacement672 cubic inches (11 L) or 855 cubic inches (14 L)
Traction motors Two, one per truck. Chain or side rod drive to second axle on each truck
Cylinders 6 per engine
Cylinder size 4+78 in × 6 in (123.825 mm × 152.400 mm)
Loco brake Air
Train brakes Air
Performance figures
Maximum speed20 mph (32 km/h)
Power output2 x 150 hp (112 kW)
Tractive effort 27,000 lbf (120 kN)

The GE 45-ton switcher is a 4-axle diesel locomotive built by General Electric between 1940 and 1956.

Contents

Equipment

The locomotive was equipped with two 150 hp (110 kW) Cummins diesel engines, each driving a GE 1503 generator which, in turn, drove one of the two GE 733 traction motors, one per truck. In early models, the second axle on each truck was driven with side rods. Later models had chain drives inside the trucks that served the same purpose.

A traditional train air brake was optional, but all came with two compressors (one per engine) and a straight-air independent (locomotive) brake. The cabs were spacious for the size of the locomotive. Both the engineer's and fireman's seats were raised almost two feet on platforms (under which was the brake equipment, if applicable), to provide better visibility during switching.

Uses

The GE 45-ton was extremely versatile and many variants existed. It has a high weight to power ratio and has excellent traction, rated to be able to pull 20 loaded freight cars on level track. They were built with a short wheelbase for use in industrial plants, yards, and other places where clearances were tight. Although intended as switcher locomotives, they sometimes served mainline duties, although nearly all had an imposed speed limit of 20 mph (32 km/h) due to the double reduction gearing of their traction motors.

Preserved examples

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References

  1. C.B. Peck (ed.). 1950-52 Locomotive Cyclopedia of American Practice. New York: Simmons-Boardman. pp. 194, 222.
  2. Pinkepank, Jerry A. (1973). The Second Diesel Spotter's Guide. Kalmbach. pp. 138, 194.
  3. Craig, R. "GE 45/50-Tonner". The Diesel Shop. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  4. "Catskill Mountain Railroad". Catskill Mountain Railroad. Kingston, NY. 2021. Retrieved 24 August 2021.
  5. "Locomotive Delivery Success!". East Terminal railway. Cincinnati, Ohio: YouTube.com. 24 August 2021. Archived from the original on 2021-12-13. Retrieved 24 August 2021.
  6. "The Old Dominion Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society - Home". Archived from the original on 2021-11-25. Retrieved 2021-11-25.
  7. Tonner Team Image Retrieved March 1, 2023
  8. "Rochester Gas & Electric #1941". Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  9. ""Newly Arrived: AC&F No. 8"". Railroading Rambler. Archived from the original on 2021-12-13. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  10. Avallone, Elaine M. (August 27, 2020). "Locomotive delivered to Lowville for proposed scenic rail line (VIDEO)". NNY360. Retrieved 26 August 2021. A train enthusiast's dream of developing a scenic railroad from Lowville to Carthage is on track to become a reality