M-K TE70-4S

The M-K TE70-4S was a four-axle 2,800 hp (2.1 MW) B-B diesel-electric locomotive built by Morrison-Knudsen. The locomotive was a rebuild of the GE U25B with a Sulzer V-12 prime mover installed. Morrison-Knudsen rebuilt four for the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1978. The experiment proved unsuccessful and no additional units were rebuilt.

M-K TE70-4S
Three of the four SP M-K TE70-4S locomotives on their maiden run in March 1978
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderMorrison-Knudsen
Specifications
Gauge4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Wheel diameter40 in (100 cm)
Length60 ft 2 in (18.3 m)
Width10 ft 7 1⁄2 in (3.2 m)
Height15 ft 10 7⁄8 in (4.8 m)
Loco weight279,000 lb (126,552 kg)
Prime moverSulzer 12ASV 25/30
RPM range1000
GeneratorGE GT598 D3A
Traction motorsGE 752
Gear ratio74/18
Performance figures
Maximum speed70 mph (110 km/h)
Power output2,800 hp (2.1 MW)
Career
NicknamesPopsicle
[1]

Design

The prime mover for the M-K TE70-4S was a Sulzer 12ASV 25/30. Normally found in marine or stationary uses, the 12ASV 25/30 had been in production since 1969. The four-stroke turbocharged engine was rated for a maximum of 3,240 hp (2.4 MW) at 1000 RPM.[2] The locomotives retained the GE GT598 D3A generators and GE 752 traction motors from the U25B. The capability of the prime mover notwithstanding, the locomotive was rated at 2,800 hp (2.1 MW).[3]

The new prime mover required substantial alterations to the cab, carbody, and underframe.[4] The locomotive measured 60 ft 2 in (18.3 m) long by 10 ft 7 1⁄2 in (3.2 m) wide, and stood 15 ft 10 7⁄8 in (4.8 m) high. It weighed 279,000 lb (126,552 kg).[1]

History

Southern Pacific sent four GE U25Bs (Nos. 7030–7033), then at the end of their service life, to Morrison-Knudsen for rebuilding.[5] Morrison-Knudsen rebuilt the four locomotives in its Boise, Idaho, shops in 1977–1978. The first revenue run occurred beginning March 1, 1978, when the four locomotives handled a Seattle–Los Angeles trailer-on-flatcar (TOFC) train between Portland and Los Angeles.[6] Inauspiciously, one of the four locomotives broke down during the trip.[7]

The locomotives carried a unique paint scheme featuring the red-and-orange of the SP's famed "Daylight" passenger trains, albeit in a different style.[8][9] The color scheme led to the nickname "Popsicle"; unreliability led to their retirement in 1987.[10]

Notes
  1. "TE 70-4S Brochure". Morrison-Knudsen. Retrieved April 20, 2017.
  2. Fearon 1978, p. 3
  3. Fearon 1978, p. 4
  4. Fearon 1978, pp. 9–10
  5. Pinkepank & Marre 1979, p. 137
  6. Fearon 1978, pp. 10–11
  7. Pacific News 1978, p. 28
  8. Guernsey et al. 1978, p. 2
  9. Pacific News 1979, p. 4
  10. Lustig 2003, p. 23

References

Further reading
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