Union Pacific Doubles Down |
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Pan shot of Union Pacific DD40X #6936 at Duncan, Nebraska on 24 April 1994. (Paul DeLuca photo) |
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American Locomotive Co. (Alco), Electro-Motive Divion of GM (EMD) and General Electric (GE)
were all touting the merits of the twin-diesel locomotive in their mid-1960s sales catalogue.
The horsepower race was at full stride, with Alco's Century 855 in the lead, at least initially
in terms of its 5500-hp rating. However, they were not the first to market that honor belonged
solely to EMD and its 5000-hp DD35 demonstrator team. Soon afterwards, a trio of new Union Pacific
U50s arrived from Erie. The First of UP's cab-less double diesels from EMD arrived in June 1964.
The GEs and Alcos rode on four two-axle, span bolstered trucks, while the EMDs featured a pair
of four-motor trucks. EMD's cab-equipped DD35As arrived in 1965 and marked the last of the initial
wave of double diesels.
Round two of the double-diesel era began in April 1969 with delivery of new 6900 series DD40AXs;
the 6600-hp units were just-in time to help UP mark the 100th anniversary of the Golden Spike --
hence the name "centennials." GE's newest twin-diesel -- U50C -- began shipping fron Erie during
October of the same year. The new model was equipped with C-C trucks rather than two pair of
two-axle trucks.
At the heighth of the double diesel craze, the UP roster consisted of: |
XXXX * * * Photo Gallery * * *
ELectro-Motive Division (EMD) Models |
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DD35 #75B at Kansas City on 29 June 1969 John Stubblefield photo (R. Craig collection) |
DD35A #75 ay Salt Lake City, Utah in April 1968 Keith Ardinger photo (R. Craig collection) |
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UP #6944 after restoration work at Altoona on 22 May 2015 Casey Thomason photo |
UP 6941 at Verdemont, CA on 24 April 2008. (Craig Walker photo) |
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General Electric (GE) Models |
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UP #90399 [an early "Double Diesel"] :-) Don Ross photo on 9 August 1968 |
U50 #45 at Council Bluffs, Iowa on 21 April 1974 George Cockle photo(R. Craig collection) |
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U50C #5008 at Clyde Yard (Chicago), Illinois on 29 May 1970 R. Craig Rutherford photo |
U50C #5021 at Clyde Yard (Chicago), Illinois on 30 May 1971 R. Craig Rutherford photo |
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American Locomotive Co. (Alco) Models |
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C855 #60 RR "Dick" Wallin photo (R. Craig collection) |
C855B drawing by Jean-Denis Bachand |
XXXX * * * A Comparison * * *
-- | EMD |
GE |
Alco |
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-- | DD35 |
DD35A |
DDA40X |
U50 |
U50C |
C855 |
C855B |
Qty Built (& Date) | 27 (11/63-9/64) | 15 (4/65-5/65) | 47 (1/69-7/71) | 26 (10/63-8/65) | 40 (11/69-11/71) | 2 (6/1964) | 1 (6/1964) |
Engine (2) | V16-567D3A | V16-567D? | V16-645E3A | FDL16 | FDL16 | V12-251C | V12-251C |
HP Rating | 5000 | 5000 | 6600 | 5000 | 5000 | 5500 | 5500 |
Main Generator (2) | GM D32 | GM D32 | GM AR12 | GE GT588 | GE GT588 | GE GT598D1 | GE GT598D1 |
Length | 87'-11" | 88'-02" | 98'-05" | 83'-07"" | 83'-06" | 86'-00 | 86'-00 |
Weight (lbs) - loaded | 519,353 | 521,410 | 521,980 | 575,800 | 442,660 | 575,500 | 549,860 |
Trucks | D-D | D-D | D-D | B-B (four sets) | C-C | B-B (four sets) | B-B (four sets) |
Traction Motors | GM D67 | GM D67 | GM D77 | GE 752 (8) | GE 752 (6) | GE 752L1 (8) | GE 752L1 (8) |
Tractive Force (start) | 113,940 | 113,940 | 113,940 | 160,000 | 109,000 lbs) | 137,859 (lbs) | 137,465 (lbs) |
Gearing (Max Sped) | 59:18 (90 mph) | 59:18 (90 mph) | 59:18 (90 mph) | 74:18 (70 mph) | 74:18 (70 mph) | 74:18 (75 mph) | 74:18 (75 mph) |
Turn raduis (Min.) | 57 degrees | 57 degrees | 57 degrees | 21 degrees | 38 degrees | 21 degrees | 21 degrees |
Dynamic Brakes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
M/U Capability | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Fuel Capacity | 5200 | 5200 | 5200 | 5800 | 6000 | 6000 | 6000 |
XXXXNotes
Format by: R.Craig | New: 1 July 2022 / Expansion: 1 February 2023 | ||
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Reference sources: |