ALCO RSD-7

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ALCO RSD-7
Power type Diesel-electric
Builder ALCO
Model RSD-7
Total production 17
AAR wheel arr. C-C
UIC classification Co'Co'
Gauge ft 8½ in (1435 mm)
Prime mover ALCO 244
Cylinders V16
Power output DL-600: 2,250 hp (1,700 kW)
DL-600A: 2400 hp (1800 kW)

The ALCO RSD-7 was a diesel-electric locomotive of the road switcher type built by ALCO at Schenectady, New York between January 1954 and January 1956. Two versions were built, with the same RSD-7 model designation but different specifications and power ratings, although both used the ALCO 244 engine in V16 configuration. Specification DL-600, of which only two were built, developed 2250 hp (1700 kW); revised specification DL-600A, numbering fifteen locomotives, was rated at 2400 hp (1800 kW). The RSD-7 was superseded by the ALCO 251-engined ALCO RSD-15, which looks very similar.[1]

Both rode on a pair of three-axle trucks with all three axles on each truck powered; this is a C-C wheel arrangement. These trucks have an unequal axle spacing due to traction motor positioning; the outer two axles on each truck are closer together than the inner two. The six-motor design allowed better tractive effort at lower speeds.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Pinkepank, Jerry A. (1973). The Second Diesel Spotter's Guide. Milwaukee, WI: Kalmbach Publishing Co.. ISBN 0-89024-026-4.