Design features of generators for diesel-electric switcher locomotives

John C. Aydelott (General Electric Company, Erie, Pa.): Since the simple generator-excitation scheme described was used first by General Electric Company on gas-electric busses and was applied subsequently to industrial Diesel-electric locomotives, in all fairness it should be noted that considerable engine stalling is involved, causing considerable loss of horsepower when the generator field is cold as it often will be in slow-speed-switching service. A more complicated scheme may be justified to avoid engine stalling and to insure full engine output whenever it is called for. Such a refined scheme long has been the goal of the designers of Diesel-electric-locomotive transmission apparatus. An accurate, reliable, and economical solution is much nearer to being a reality today than at any time in the past, thanks to the high amplification and quick response characteristics of the amplidyne exciter.