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tual complete conversion to diesel power, and set up a procedure for strictly policing our own smoke. Thus we were well prepared when the anti-smoke ordinance came. One day in February of this year, the Union sent out 63 steam locomotives and 64 diesels, and so for the first time may be said to have begun more than 50 per cent diesel operation. With other diesels on order, our program calls for 80 per cent conversion by the middle of 1950, and complete conversion at a later date. Within our work we must have different types of locomotives for different jobs. The newest diesel |
locomotives are Baldwin 1,500-hp road switchers having 6-wheel trucks and 6 traction motors per locomotive. These particular locomotives, because of the traction motors and heavier weight, enable us to pull four to five hundred tons more per train and so release some of the larger steam engines. The specifications of these diesels are given on the opposite page. The design stresses sim- plicity of controls. The speed of the locomotive is controlled by the throttle only. The power plant has automatic load regulation. The diesel engine cooling is automatically controlled by thermostat. Space is provided behind the cab for a steam |
