Abstract :
CONSTITUTING an electric locomotive with its own complete turbogenerating unit on board, the 5,000-horsepower steam-electric locomotive that has been under construction for nearly two years recently was completed at the Erie, Pa., works of the General Electric Company. Shown below attached to a test train, it will be subjected to a series of exhaustive operating tests before being placed in regular service. The locomotive is intended to haul passenger trains consisting of as many as 12 Pullman and standard passenger cars between Chicago and the Pacific Coast over 2.2-per cent grades without helper. It will be capable of speeds up to 125 miles per hour and continuous runs of from 500 to 700 miles. The locomotive is housed in two cabs, each containing: a complete 2,500-horsepower geared turbogenerator set; a high-pressure steam boiler; turbine-driven auxiliary set; and a finned-tube condenser cooled by turbine-driven fans. A low grade of oil, known as “bunker” oil, is used for fuel. Steam pressure and temperature are, respectively, 1,500 pounds per square inch and 920 degrees Fahrenheit. Complete automatic control is provided for boiler, auxiliaries, and power units. Twelve axle-hung geared motors drive the locomotive, six being supplied from each main generating unit. Speed is controlled by varying the field current of the main generators. Electric braking is employed.
