GE 45-ton switcher

GE 45-ton switcher

GE 45 Tonner (Side rod Driven) at the Texas Transportation Museum.

Type and origin References: Power type Diesel-electric Builder GE Transportation Systems Model 45-ton switcher Build date April 1941–October 1956

Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR B-B  • UIC B′B′ Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) Minimum curve 50 ft (15.24 m) Loco weight 43 to 50 short tons (38 to 45 long tons; 39 to 45 t) Prime mover Two Cummins 6-cylinder HBI-600 RPM range 1,800 rpm (max) Aspiration Normally aspirated Displacement 672 cubic inches (11 l) Traction motors Two, one per truck. Chain or side rod drive to second axle on each truck Cylinders 6 in each of two engines Cylinder size 4 7⁄8 in × 6 in (123.825 mm × 152.400 mm) Loco brake Air Train brakes Air

Performance figures Maximum speed 20 mph (32 km/h) Power output 2 x 150 hp (112 kW) Tractive effort 27,000 lbf (120 kN)

The GE 45-ton switcher is a 4-axle diesel locomotive built by GE between 1940 and 1956.

The locomotive was equipped with two 150 hp (110 kW) Cummins diesel engines, each driving a generator which, in turn, drove one of the two traction motors, one per truck. In early models, the second axle on each truck was driven with side rods. Later models had chain drives inside the trucks that served the same purpose.

A traditional train air brake was optional, but all came with two compressors (one per engine) and a straight-air independent (locomotive) brake. The cabs were spacious for the size of the locomotive, and both the engineer's seat and the fireman's seat were raised two feet on platforms (under which was the brake equipment, if applicable), so as to afford better views during switching.

The GE 45-ton was extremely versatile and many variants existed. It has a high weight to power ratio, and has excellent traction, rated to be able to pull 20 loaded freight cars on level track. They were built with a short wheelbase for use in industrial plants, yards, and other places where clearances were tight. Although intended as switchers, they sometimes served mainline duties, although nearly all had an imposed speed limit of 20 mph (32 km/h) due to the double reduction gearing of their traction motors.

The Old Colony and Newport Scenic Railway operates two of these locomotives on a regular revenue basis. The Lake Superior And Mississippi railroad of Duluth, Minnesota also owns and operates one. Nearby Lake Superior Railroad Museum also has a former Minnesota Power 45-tonner, which is now used for switching rolling stock around the museum. The Nevada Northern Railway owns one and is currently restoring it. Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting operate two of these for slag operations in the smelter. Michigan State University's on-campus T. B. Simon Power Plant uses a 45-tonner painted in school colors to position coal hoppers under a Carhoe II unloader. National Steel Car Limited in Hamilton Ontario currently owns 4 45 tonners. 2 are inactive, and 2 are used for movement of all cars around the plant, between construction, paint, and shipping.