EMD MP15DC

Infobox Locomotive
name=EMD MP15DC
powertype=Diesel-electric

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caption=Mosaic 212, an EMD MP15DC --Brewster, Florida.
gauge=RailGauge|ussg
builder=Electro-Motive Division|EMD
poweroutput=1,500 hp ( kW)
aarwheels=B-B
builddate=1974 – 1980
totalproduction=351

The EMD MP15DC was a 1,500 hp (1100 kW) switcher-type diesel locomotive model produced by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division between 1974 and 1980. 351 examples were built. It replaced the SW1500 in EMD's catalog, and is superficially very similar to the predecessor model, using effectively the same engine (a V12 EMD 645-series powerplant) in a similar design of hood and bodywork.

Like the Mexico-only SW1504, the MP15DC used Blomberg trucks exclusively, replacing the Flexicoil trucks or AAR switcher trucks used on the SW1500. In EMD's eyes (among others) this made the new locomotive a road switcher rather than a pure switcher, since it was capable of transition and road speeds up to 60 mph (100 km/h) or so; the designation thus meant Multi-Purpose locomotive, 1500 hp, DC generator. Originally the locomotive was simply designated the MP15; the arrival of the alternator/rectifier MP15AC in 1975 changed the name.

Original Buyers

Current owners

The Union Pacific Railroad is perhaps the largest current user of the MP15DC, having 102 of the type in service (Strack, 2004). None was originally owned by the UP; instead, they were acquired by merger or takeover, or bought on the second-hand locomotive market. The vast majority (62) came from the Missouri Pacific Railroad, while locomotives were also acquired from the Chicago and North Western Railway (14) and Southern Pacific Railroad (9). A further 15 were acquired from the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad, being surplus to their requirements, while a further two have been leased from Helm.

The Alaska Railroad has four MP15DCs used as yard switching engines, numbered 1551-1554. Two were obtained from the Lake Erie, Franklin and Clarion Railroad; the other two were obtained from the Kelley's Creek and Northwestern Railroad.

Caltrain has two MP15DCs used for yard switching and work train service, numbered 503 and 504.

Specifications

:"(GATX, 2005)

References

* Combs, John. (2006) " [http://www.alaskarails.org/glance/complete-roster.html Alaska Railroad Locomotive Roster] ". Retrieved on May 14, 2006
* GATX Rail Locomotive Group. " [http://www.gatx.com/rail/locomotive_group/MP15DC.asp MP15DC specification page] ". Retrieved on April 5, 2005.
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* Strack, Don. (2004) " [http://utahrails.net/all-time/all-time-models-builder.php Union Pacific Railroad Locomotive Model Quantities – All-Time (1934-2002)] ". Retrieved on April 6, 2005.