EMD BL2

EMD BL2
Janesville & Southeastern #52 at the National Railroad Museum.
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderGeneral Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD)
ModelBL2
Build dateSeptember 1947 – May 1949
Total produced59
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • AARB-B
Gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Prime moverEMD 16-567B
Engine typeV16
GeneratorEMD D-12A
Traction motors(4) EMD D-17-B or D-27-B
Cylinders16
Performance figures
Power output1,500 hp (1,100 kW)
Tractive effort56,200 lbf (250 kN)
Career
OperatorsSee "original Owners"
LocaleUnited States

The EMD BL2 is a model of diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD). A total of 58 units (plus a single BL1) were built between 1947 and 1949.[1] The BL2 was not very successful, as it was unreliable and occupied a gap between carbody and hood units, which resulted in it suffering from the drawbacks of both designs. However, lessons learned from the BL2 were incorporated into EMD's next design, the GP7.[2]

  1. ^ Foster, Gerald L. (1996). A field guide to trains of North America. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. p. 104. ISBN 0-395-70112-0.
  2. ^ Schafer, Mike (1998). Vintage diesel locomotives. Osceola, WI: Motorbooks International. p. 37. ISBN 0-7603-0507-2. OCLC 38738930.