GMD GMDH-3

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
GMD GMDH-3
The sole GMDH-3 on static display in Clinton, Michigan
The sole GMDH-3 at the Southern Michigan Railroad Society in 2023
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-hydraulic
BuilderGeneral Motors Diesel
Serial numberA1813
ModelGMDH-3
Build dateJanuary 1960
Total produced1
Specifications
Configuration:
 • Whyte0-6-0
 • AARC
 • UICC
Gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm)
Length28 ft 1+12 in (8.57 m)
Width8 ft 10+14 in (2.70 m)
Height11 ft 5 in (3.48 m)
Adhesive weight75,000 lb (34,000 kilograms)
Loco weight75,000 lb (34,000 kilograms)
37.5 short tons (33.5 long tons; 34.0 t)
Fuel capacity330 US gal (1,200 L; 270 imp gal)
Lubricant cap.7.8 US gal (30 L; 6.5 imp gal) engine, 25.2 US gal (95 L; 21.0 imp gal) transmission, 6 US gal (23 L; 5.0 imp gal) gearboxes
Coolant cap.24 US gal (91 L; 20 imp gal)
Sandbox cap.14 cu ft (0.40 m3)
Prime moverDetroit Diesel 8V-71
CylindersV8
TransmissionHydraulic; Allison CBTA 5842 automatic transmission, 3 × Dana Spicer gearboxes.
CouplersAAR Type E
Performance figures
Power output275 hp (205 kW)

The GMD GMDH-3 was an experimental diesel-hydraulic switching locomotive built in January 1960 by General Motors Diesel of Canada. Only one example was built,[1] with GMD serial number A1813.[2] The locomotive was essentially the GMDH-1 design but with only a single hood, a single engine and an end cab, mounted on a six-wheel chassis.

History[edit]

After being built in January 1960, the locomotive served as a demonstrator for GMD, bearing number #275, between 1960 and 1962, during which it spent a period in Egypt, but no sales resulted.[3] The locomotive was sold in 1963 to McKinnon Industries of St. Catharines, Ontario as their plant switcher, #2128.[1] After nearly 30 years of service, it was sold in 1992 to the South Simcoe Railway, a heritage museum railway, in Tottenham, Ontario, but in 1995 it was declared surplus to requirements by the railway's directors.[3]

After a fund-raising effort, the Southern Michigan Railroad Society purchased the locomotive in 1996, where it remains in operable condition as of 2006. [4] As of June 2015, GMDH-3 had been repainted in two-tone blue, and is still parked in Clinton, Michigan awaiting funds for restoration.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Pinkepank, Jerry A. (1973). The Second Diesel Spotter's Guide. Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Kalmbach Publishing. ISBN 978-0-89024-026-7.
  2. ^ "GMD A1800 to A1899". The UNofficial EMD Homepage. Retrieved 2006-11-23.
  3. ^ a b "GMDH-3 Technical Specifications". railroadmichigan.com. Retrieved 2006-11-23.
  4. ^ "SMRS Train Equipment". Southern Michigan Railroad Society. Retrieved 2006-11-23. [dead link]