FM H-20-44

Infobox Locomotive
name=FM H-20-44
powertype=Diesel-electric
gauge=RailGauge|sg

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caption=An FM H-20-44 road switcher, retired Union Pacific #1366.
aarwheels=B-B
cylindercount=10 (Opposed piston)
primemover=FM 38D-10
builddate=June 1947 —
March 1954
totalproduction=299
locale=North America
poweroutput=2,000 hp (1,492 kW)
topspeed=70 mph (113 km/h)
weight=254,000 lb (115,000 kg)
tractiveeffort=42,125 lbf (187 kN)
length=51 ft 0 in (15.55 m)
enginetype=2-stroke diesel
aspiration=Roots blower
cylindersize=8.125 in × 10 in
(206 mm × 254 mm)
displacement=5,180 in³ (84.9 L)
transmission=DC generator,
DC traction motors
locobrakes=Straight air
trainbrakes=Air
buildmodel=H-20-44

The FM H-20-44 was an multiple unit-capable end cab road switcher manufactured by Fairbanks-Morse from June, 1947–March, 1954, and represented the company's first foray into the road switcher market. The 2,000 hp, ten-cylinder opposed piston engine locomotive was referred to by F-M's engineering department as the "Heavy Duty" unit. It was configured in a B-B wheel arrangement mounted atop a pair of two-axle AAR Type-B road trucks with all axles powered. H-20-44s shared the same platform and much of the same carbody as the lighter-duty FM H-15-44, which began its production run three months later.

In the same manner as other F-M switcher models, the H-20-44 started out displaying a variety of Raymond Loewy-inspired contours, only to have the majority of these superfluous trim features stripped from the last few units built as a cost-cutting measure. Only 97 units were built for American railroads, as few firms saw sufficient value in moving freight in greater quantities or at a higher speeds than was possible with the typical 1,500- and 1,600-horsepower four-axle road switchers of the era. Three intact examples of the H-20-44 are known to survive today; all are the property of railroad museums.

Units produced

References

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Further reading

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ee also

* List of Fairbanks-Morse locomotives

External links

* [http://www.thedieselshop.us/FM_H2044.HTML Fairbanks-Morse H20-44 Roster]
* [http://www.thedieselshop.us/PRSVDfm.HTML#Four Preserved Fairbanks Morse Four-Axle Road Switchers]
* [http://www.psrm.org/roster/diesel/d-up1366/index.html Union Pacific #1366] — photo and short history of the second unit built, one of the three surviving FM H-20-44s.