EMD_GA18

EMD GA18

The EMD GA18 was an export locomotive built by GM-EMD in 1969. The GA18 was a derivative of the EMD G18 and was designed as an extremely light locomotive with low axle loading which used freight car trucks driven by cardan shafts and two traction motors attached to the underframe. It is the successor model of the EMD GA8. They are powered by an EMD 8-645E prime mover rated at 1100 bhp and 1000 hp for traction.[1][2] Only seven units were built.[3]

Quick Facts Type and origin, Power type ...

Original Owners

Chile

Taiwan

Zambia

  • 1 Nchanga Consol Copper 10

Taiwan Railway Administration

Taiwan Railway Administration purchased five GA18 locomotives in 1969[1] which were equipped with special cab signal display and track sorting devices for use as Qidu hump yard switching locomotives. They were named the S400 series by the TRA. In addition to yard switching, the TRA S400 series GA18's were also used to pull short run commuter trains.[4] After the closing of Qidu hump yard, the S400 series were used as general road switchers until their retirement. All have been scrapped with the exception of S405 which has been preserved and restored in its original Navy blue paint scheme and is currently on display in Miaoli Railway Museum, and S402 which is currently stored in a half-dismantled state in Taipei Railway Workshop to await preservation following the workshop's transition to a railway museum.


References

  1. "GM Diesels Set Sail For Taiwan". Railway Age. 167: 97. 8 December 1969.
  2. Jane's World Railways Fourteenth Edition 1971-1972. 1972. p. 413.
  3. "Export GA18 Order Numbers". The UNofficial EMD Homepage.
  4. Extra 2220 South May-June 1971. 1971. p. 12.



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