EMC TA

EMC TA

Rock Island #601

Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder Electro-Motive Corporation (EMC) Build date August–October, 1937 Total produced 6

Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR B-B  • UIC Bo'Bo' Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Length 60 ft 10 in (18.54 m) Height 13 ft 11 in (4.24 m) Prime mover Winton 201-A Engine type V16 Cylinders 16 Train heating Steam generator, 2 off

Performance figures Maximum speed 110 mph (180 km/h) Power output 1,200 hp (890 kW)

Career Operators Rock Island Numbers 601–606 Retired 1957–1958 Disposition All scrapped

The EMC-TA was a model of Diesel locomotive produced for the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad by the Electro-Motive Corporation in 1937. The original six Rock Island Rocket streamliners were three- or four-car stainless-steel semi-articulated trainsets built by Budd Company, powered by six identical locomotives, #601-606. The locomotives were classified as model TA—the T indicating Twelve hundred hp (890 kW), the A indicating an A unit (cab-equipped lead locomotive). The Rock Island Line was EMC's only customer for the TA locomotive model.

The styling of the TAs resembled the A units of the contemporary EA and E1 built in 1937, but the single 1200 hp Winton 201-A motor provided only two thirds the power of the E-units' 1800 hp twin motor arrangement, the TAs were shorter and lighter, and they rode two-axle rather than three-axle trucks. Future locomotives for high speed and long distance passenger service would follow the direction taken by the EA/EB, E1 and E2; EMC's FT locomotives introduced in 1939 would adapt the single-engine two-axle truck layout of the TA and the cab/booster format of the E units to freight service. With the introduction of the E-series and the TA units EMC undertook regular production of locomotives of their own design, opening the standardized mass production phase in marketing Diesel power for passenger service.

Like the E-series and F-series locomotives, the TA was constructed as a carbody truss rather than having a separate chassis, a weight-saving innovation of early streamliners adapted to full-sized locomotives. The single Winton 201-A V16 engine was placed centrally, centered on the side door and twin flanking windows. The generator was attached behind it, with a cooling fan and air compressor after that. The rear of the unit was taken up with two steam generators for train heating and reservoirs for the air brakes. The cab sat two crew, driver on the right and fireman on the left. The sloped nose contained air brake and train control equipment; beneath them sat the batteries, and beneath the cab was the water reservoir for the train heating boilers. Fuel was carried beneath the locomotive between the trucks. The trucks were 2-axle, both axles powered, giving the locomotive a B-B wheel arrangement.