GE 45-ton switcher

Infobox Locomotive

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caption=GE 45 Tonner
name=GE 45-ton switcher
powertype=Diesel-electric
gauge=RailGauge|ussg
builder=GE Transportation Systems
buildmodel=45-ton switcher
aarwheels=B-B
builddate=1940 – 1956
weight=45 ton
primemover=2 × 150 HP Cummins diesel engines )
cylindercount=4 × 7/8 inches cylinders, with a 6 inch stroke
poweroutput=150 hp
locale=North America
The GE 45-ton switcher is a 4-axle diesel locomotive built by General Electric between 1940 and 1956.

Equipment

The locomotive was equipped with two 150 h.p. Cummins diesel engines. 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.

Some of the switchers were equipped with siderods and counterweights that connected the two axles in each truck, as each truck only had one traction motor, and this helped increase traction by distributing it among all wheels. Later models had chains inside the trucks that served the same purpose. It was for this reason (chains and siderods) that the locomotives had plaques noting their maximum speed being 20 m.p.h..

Uses

The GE 45T is extremely versatile and many variants exist. It has a high weight to power ratio, and has excellent traction, rated to be able to pull 20 loaded freight cars on level tracks. They were built with short wheelbases for use in industrial plants, yards, and other places where clearances were tight. Although intended as purely switchers, they sometimes served mainline duties, although nearly all had an imposed speed limit of 20 m.p.h. due to the types of traction motors they had as well as their friction bearings.

Variants

Although the off-the-shelf version of the 45-T was diesel powered, both gas and electric models existed. The electric model is most interesting in that it had batteries under the engines. When necessary, the diesel engines could be shut down, and the electricity from the batteries would turn a motor that would turn a generator which created the necessary power to turn the wheels.

Facts to Know

During the dieselization of railroads, steam firemen were being replaced by automatic fuel systems in the new diesels. In order to keep these men in work, the Unions and the railroads agreed that any locomotive weighing greater than 44 tons would need to be operated by two workers at all times. In retaliation, the railroads demanded from General Electric that they build a new locomotive, which weighed - of course - just barely 44 tons.

Current owners and operators

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. Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting operate two of these for slag operations in the smelter. They can also be found in museums such as the NC Transportation Museum and the Texas Transportation Museum. The Fox River Trolley Museum of South Elgin, IL operates an Aurora, Elgin, and Fox River Electric Co. example that actually operated on the museum's right-of-way (which was purchased form the AE and FR in 1961).