EMD GM6C

Infobox Locomotive Auto
name = EMD GM6C
powertype = Electric
serviceclass = a unit
service = freight
builder = GM-EMD
serialnumber = 75605-1
buildmodel = GM6C
builddate = May 1, 1975
totalproduction = 1
aarwheels = C-C
gauge = RailGauge|standard
trucks = EMD HTC
length = convert|68|ft|10|in|m|2|abbr=on
height = convert|14|ft|9.5|in|m|2|abbr=on (over locked-down pantographs)
width = convert|10|ft|m|2|abbr=on
weight = convert|365000|lb|kg|abbr=on
wheeldiameter = convert|42|in|mm|abbr=on
electricsystem = switchable; 11kV 25Hz, 25kV 50Hz, 50kV 25Hz
collectionmethod = pant
generator = EMD D79MA75
tractionmotors = 6 × EMD E88X
poweroutput = convert|6000|hp|kW|abbr=on
tractiveeffort = convert|126000|lbf|kN|abbr=on starting
convert|44000|lbf|kN|abbr=on continuous @ 46 mph
railroad = EMD (EMDX)
roadnumber = 1975 (later 4975)
locale = Penn Central (later Amtrak and Conrail) electrified lines
disposition = scrapped

The GM6C was a solitary testbed electric locomotive for freight duties built by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division of the United States in collaboration with ASEA of Sweden. It was rolled out from EMD's La Grange, Illinois plant on May 1, 1975. [citation
last = Graham-White
first = Sean
title = EMD's Freight Electrics
year = 2007
newspaper = Diesel Era
volume = 18
issue = 5
pages = 48–54
publisher = Withers
issn = 1049-5622] Equipped with close to standard C-C HTC trucks and traction motors, it was designed for lower-speed drag freight service.

Motives

At the time, high oil prices had a number of large US railroads contemplating electrification of their most heavily used lines, while the only major US railroad with freight-hauling electrification, the Penn Central, had a fleet of aging locomotives needing replacement.

Circumstances changed after the GM6C and GM10B locomotives were developed; oil prices declined, which wiped out the interest freight railroads had in electrification, while diesel locomotive power and adhesion were improved.

Meanwhile, the bankruptcy of Penn Central led to the division of the railroad's physical plant between Amtrak, which inherited much of the electrified region, and Conrail. Deteriorating relationships between the twoDubious|date=October 2008 led to Conrail ceasing electric operations in 1982, dismantling the electrification on its lines and avoiding Amtrak-owned rails.Fact|date=October 2008 The two locomotives were now surplus to requirements and were returned to EMD, remaining in the LaGrange plant's yard until scrapping in the mid 1980s.

The BC Rail GF6C locomotives used similar technology to the GM6C but had a wide-nose cab and carbody.

References