Charlie,
Yes, I believe we have previously discussed the modification to E8s and E9s to improve acceleration. I think it was a form or maximum field start, later applied by EMD as an option on some switcher models for the same reason; to improve acceleration at start up. Whether EMD condoned the change at that time, I have no idea. I believe it increased the field current on the main generator before the throttle was moved out of idle. By doing so, the output of the generator was increased more quickly as the engine speed and locomotive acceleration increased. In normal operation, the governor would manage all load control at a slower rate. The net effect was that the load on the engine increased more rapidly, and that may have been EMD’s concern. However, with relatively light trains, the effect was minimal. If the Q’s Engineering Dept, developed it, it is my impression that EMD later adopted a similar arrangement.
On another subject, I have never heard that EMD attempted to sell GP7s to the Q for commuter service. It is my impression that in those days around the late 1940s and early 1950s, that relations between CB&Q and EMD management were relatively close. I am sure that EMD management was well aware of Q’s plan to use E units in both main line passenger service and commuter service to increase utilization. They also knew that EMD wouldn’t consider using GP7s on their main line passenger trains, so neither model would have reached their maximum usage potential. I am sure that EMD didn’t really care whether Q bought E units or GP units, or both as, ultimately, they did. Q took delivery of their last E7 in March, 1949 and their first E8 in December, 1949. They received their first of 68 GP7s in September, 1951. EMD’s order board was quite full during that entire time, so they really weren’t driven by the need for additional business. I don’t know what the various models cost at the time, but I suspect that E units had a higher profit margin.
Bill Barber
Gravois Mills, MO
Mon Jul 10, 2017 8:10 am (PDT) . Posted by:
All-
SeemQ’s last E7 was delivered in March, 1949s to me there was (either at that discussion or another one with the same players) that brought up a control wiring modification that the Q used to juice up the acceleration on E8 and E9 units that couldn't be applied to E7 or E5 locomotives. EMD was opposed to it but it worked fine for the Q.
While on the subject how about the rumored FM Trainmasters for suburban service? Apparently it went far enough for FM to do a rendering of one in dinky service crossing the DesPlaines at Riverside. FM didn't have a chance (even though a H10-44 got an AFE to cover fuel for demo use at Western Avenue) because somebody left the Mechanical Department for a job at FM and it caused bad blood with Beloit.
Charlie Vlk
Sent from my iPhone