EMD SW1500

EMD SW1500

NIRC 4 an SW1500 performs switching duties on the BNSF line in the Chicago's South Loop near Union Station.

Type and origin Power type Diesel Builder General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD) Model SW1500 Build date June 1966 to January 1974 Total produced 808

Specifications AAR wheel arr. B-B Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Length 44 ft 8 in (13.61 m) Loco weight 248,000 lb (112,491 kg) Prime mover EMD 645 Engine type V12 2-stroke diesel Aspiration Roots blower Displacement 9,072 in3 (149 L) Generator Main: D32 Traction motors D77/78DC Cylinders 12 Cylinder size 9.0625 in × 10 in (230.2 mm × 254.0 mm) Transmission Diesel-electric Loco brake Straight air Train brakes Air

Performance figures Power output 1,500 hp (1,119 kW)

Career Locale North America South America

The EMD SW1500 was a 1,500 hp (1,119 kW) Diesel-electric locomotive intended for switching service and built by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division between June 1966 and January 1974. 808 examples were constructed. It was closely related to the less powerful EMD SW1000 model, forming a line of switchers powered by the new EMD 645 engine. The SW1500 replaced the SW1200 in the EMD product line, and was in turn replaced by the MP15DC.

The SW1500 was a substantially bulkier locomotive than the SW1200, with a much bulkier frame, larger cab and bigger hood. In many respects it was approaching a road switcher in abilities. While the SW1500 came as standard with AAR switcher trucks, the majority of them were delivered with the optional Flexicoil trucks which permitted speeds up to 60 mph (100 km/h). The SW1500 was, in fact, often operated as a road-switcher for branchline service, and continues in this role today.

The very similar SW1504 was fundamentally a SW1500 mounted on Blomberg trucks, and was produced for the Mexican national railroad, Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México.