EMD E-unit

EMD E-unit is a line of passenger-train diesel locomotives built by Electro-Motive Corporation (EMC), a subsidiary of General Motors, and its successor Electro-Motive Division (EMD) of General Motors. The E-unit was designed to haul Amtrak and other railroad company's passenger trains, such as the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. The E-unit was also used by Union Pacific Railroad, Southern Pacific Transportation Company, and Illinois Central Railroad. The development of the E-unit was influenced by the Streamliner trains of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad and the Zephyr trains of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad.

Introduction

The EMD E-unit was introduced in the 1930s, with the first unit, the EA, being delivered to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in 1937. The E-unit was designed to be a more powerful and efficient alternative to the steam locomotive, with the ability to haul heavy passenger trains at high speeds. The E-unit was used by many railroad companies, including the Pennsylvania Railroad, New York Central Railroad, and Southern Railway (US). The E-unit was also used in Canada by the Canadian National Railway and the Canadian Pacific Railway. The development of the E-unit was influenced by the work of General Motors and its subsidiaries, including Electro-Motive Corporation and Detroit Diesel.

Design_and_Development

The design of the E-unit was influenced by the work of Electro-Motive Corporation and its successor Electro-Motive Division of General Motors. The E-unit was designed to be a more powerful and efficient alternative to the steam locomotive, with the ability to haul heavy passenger trains at high speeds. The E-unit was powered by a Detroit Diesel engine, and was equipped with a Westinghouse Air Brake Company braking system. The E-unit was also equipped with a General Electric electrical system, and was designed to be compatible with the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) and Baldwin Locomotive Works (BLW) locomotives. The development of the E-unit was influenced by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

Operational_History

The EMD E-unit was used by many railroad companies, including the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. The E-unit was used to haul passenger trains, such as the California Zephyr, City of Los Angeles, and Super Chief. The E-unit was also used to haul freight trains, and was used by Conrail, CSX Transportation, and Norfolk Southern Railway. The E-unit was used in Canada by the Canadian National Railway and the Canadian Pacific Railway, and was used to haul trains such as the Canadian and the Ocean. The E-unit was also used in Mexico by the Ferrocarril Central and the Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México.

Variants

There were several variants of the EMD E-unit, including the EA, EB, E3, E4, E5, E6, E7, E8, and E9. Each variant had its own unique characteristics, such as the EA being the first E-unit to be delivered, and the E9 being the last E-unit to be built. The E7 was used by the Pennsylvania Railroad, while the E8 was used by the New York Central Railroad. The E5 was used by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, while the E6 was used by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The development of the variants was influenced by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) and the Baldwin Locomotive Works (BLW).

Technical_Specifications

The EMD E-unit had a number of technical specifications, including a Detroit Diesel engine, a Westinghouse Air Brake Company braking system, and a General Electric electrical system. The E-unit had a top speed of 85-100 mph, and was equipped with a Nathan Airchime horn. The E-unit had a length of 67-70 feet, and a weight of 250-300 tons. The E-unit was designed to be compatible with the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) and Baldwin Locomotive Works (BLW) locomotives, and was used by many railroad companies, including the Union Pacific Railroad, Southern Pacific Transportation Company, and Illinois Central Railroad. The development of the technical specifications was influenced by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Category:Diesel locomotives