EMD BL2
EMD BL2
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| Performance figures |
| Power output |
1,500 hp (1,100 kW) |
| Tractive effort |
56,200 lbf (250 kN) |
|
|
|
| Performance figures |
| Power output |
1,500 hp (1,100 kW) |
| Tractive effort |
56,200 lbf (250 kN) |
The EMD BL2 is a four-axle B-B road switcher built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD). Often considered the "Ugly Duckling" of diesel offerings from EMD, the BL2 led the way for the company's widely successful GP series of locomotives.
EMD's diesel program was well underway in the late 1940s and early 1950s, thanks to the success of the company's FT demonstrations across the country. While the F-units in production were great for moving trains over the railroad, their full-width carbody made it difficult for locomotive crews to see to the rear of the locomotive. This was considered a worthwhile sacrifice for a mainline locomotive, which was expected to do little switch work, since the full width carbody type was considered much more handsome and stylish, if lacking in the utility of the more functional looking switch engines, with their square lines, walkways and handrails, and narrow cowling covering their mechanical parts. The F-units also lacked locations for brakemen or switchmen to stand and ride short distances while performing switching duties, such as the fore and aft platforms, footboards and handrails provided on diesel switchers, which were too small and slow for road service. The F-units did have grab irons and stirrup steps, but these features were a hindrance in locations with tight clearances.
Since the engine inside the locomotive's hood didn't take up the full carbody width, it seemed only logical that the hood could be "cut away" a bit, leaning towards what was then more typically switch engine practice, to allow the crew to see the train more easily from inside the cab, and also to ride more safely outside the cab, but while hopefully retaining the style and looks of a full width carbody type. Thus, they created an early "road switcher", which combined the power and speed of a mainline "road" engine with the visibility and convenience of a switch engine, and which have since become ubiquitous on North American railroads. This wasn't an entirely new idea, as the Pennsylvania Railroad's GG1 fleet, which featured large cutout sections in its hoods, had been in service since 1934 (although without external riding platforms). Both the BL and GG series attempted to preserve the stylish appearance of a carbody unit, to make them suitable for passenger duty, but subsequent road switchers have adopted a purely utilitarian appearance, and are most often used for freight service.
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Wikipedia
