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EMD GA18

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EMD GA18
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderGM-EMD La Grange, Illinois, USA
ModelGA18
Build dateFebruary–November 1969
Total produced7
Specifications
Configuration:
 • AARB-B
Gauge1,000 mm (3 ft 3+38 in)
3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Driver dia.32 in (813 mm)
Wheelbase5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) (Each truck)
Length38 ft 0 in (11.58 m)
Width9 ft 8+34 in (2.97 m)
Height12 ft 2+1116 in (3.73 m)
Axle load13.5T
Loco weight108,000 lb (48,990 kg) (54T)
Prime moverGM 8-645E
Engine typeV8 2-stroke diesel
AspirationRoots blower
Traction motorsTwo D75MC DC
Cylinders8
Loco brakeStraight air
Train brakesAir(Taiwan, Chile), Vacuum (Zambia) schedule 26-LA
Performance figures
Maximum speed45 mph (72 km/h)
Power output1,000 hp (750 kW)
Career
LocaleTaiwan (5), Chile (1), Zambia (1)
DispositionMost scrapped, with the only known preserved example being S405, owned by Taiwan Railway Administration

The EMD GA18 was an export locomotive built by GM-EMD in 1969. The GA18 was a derivative of the EMD G18 and was designed as an extremely light locomotive with low axle loading which used freight car trucks driven by cardan shafts and two traction motors attached to the underframe. It was the successor model of the EMD GA8. They were powered by an EMD 8-645E prime mover rated at 1100 bhp and 1000 hp for traction.[1][2] Only seven units were built.[3]

Original Owners

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Chile

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Taiwan

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Zambia

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  • 1 Nchanga Consol Copper 10

Taiwan Railway Administration

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Taiwan Railway Administration purchased five GA18 locomotives in 1969[1] which were equipped with special cab signal display and track sorting devices for use as Qidu hump yard switching locomotives. They were named the S400 series by the TRA. In addition to yard switching, the TRA S400 series GA18's were also used to pull short run commuter trains.[4] After the closing of Qidu hump yard, the S400 series were used as general road switchers until their retirement. All have been scrapped with the exception of S405 which has been preserved and restored in its original Navy blue paint scheme, and S402 which is currently stored in a half-dismantled state, Currently awaiting scrapping as it's nearly impossible to restore. Both locomotives are preserved in Taipei Railway Workshop

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References

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  1. ^ a b "GM Diesels Set Sail For Taiwan". Railway Age. 167: 97. 8 December 1969.
  2. ^ Jane's World Railways Fourteenth Edition 1971-1972. 1972. p. 413.
  3. ^ "Export GA18 Order Numbers". The UNofficial EMD Homepage.
  4. ^ Extra 2220 South May-June 1971. 1971. p. 12.