EMD GP15

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EMD GP15 (-1/T/AC)
Union Pacific Yard (UPY) 742, a GP15-1 idles in Union Pacific's Global 1 intermodal yard in Chicago, IL.
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD) Model GP15-1 GP15T GP15AC Build date June 1976 – March 1982 (-1) October 1982 – April 1983 (T) November & December 1982 (AC) Total produced 310 (-1) 28 (T) 34 (AC)
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR B-B Gauge 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Driver dia. 40 in (1,016 mm) Minimum curve 120 ft (36.6 m) Length: ​  • Over couplers 54 ft 11 in (16.74 m) Width 10 ft 3+1⁄8 in (3.127 m) (over hand rail supports) Height 15 ft 2+1⁄2 in (4.636 m) Loco weight 246,000 lb (111,600 kg) (-1) 244,000 lb (110,677 kg) (T) Fuel capacity 2,400 imp gal (11,000 L; 2,900 US gal) Lubricant cap. 135 US gal (511 L; 112 imp gal) Coolant cap. 210 US gal (795 L; 175 imp gal) Sandbox cap. 56 cu ft (1.59 m3) (basic) 72 cu ft (2.04 m3) (special) Prime mover EMD 12-645E (-1/AC) EMD 8-645E3C (T) RPM: ​  • RPM low idle 235  • RPM idle 300  • Maximum RPM 904 Engine type V12 2-stroke diesel (-1/AC) V8 2-stroke diesel (T) Aspiration Roots blower (-1/AC) Turbocharger (T) Displacement 7,740 cu in (126.8 L) (-1/AC) Alternator AR10 (AC) Generator AR10-D14 (-1/T) Traction motors 4×D77 (-1/T) ​  • Continuous 920 Amperes (with 62:15 gearing) (-1/T) Cylinders 12 (-1/AC) 8 (T) Cylinder size 9.1 in × 10 in (231 mm × 254 mm) (-1/AC) Transmission diesel electric Loco brake Straight air Train brakes Westinghouse 26L air brake
Performance figures Maximum speed 53 mph (85 km/h) (with 65:12 gearing) 70 mph (110 km/h) (with 62:15 gearing) 76 mph (122 km/h) (with 61:16 gearing) 82 mph (132 km/h) (with 60:17 gearing) Power output 1,500 hp (1.12 MW) Tractive effort 47,000 lbf (210 kN)
Career Locale United States

The EMD GP15 is a 4-axle diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division between June 1976 and April 1983. Intended to provide an alternative to the rebuilding programs that many railroads were applying to their early road switchers, it is generally employed as a yard switcher or light road switcher. There were 3 variants made: the GP15-1, the GP15T, and the GP15AC. The GP15-1 and GP15AC are powered by a 12-cylinder EMD 645E engine, which generates 1,500 hp (1,119 kW). The GP15T differs in that it uses a turbo charged 8-cylinder instead of the roots blown 12-cylinder to generate the same horsepower. The GP15AC differs from the others as it uses an AC alternator connected to the engine instead of a DC generator to drive the traction motors. The radiator section is similar to those found on the EMD SD40T-2 and EMD SD45T-2 "tunnel motors," leading some observers to incorrectly identify the units as such or as GP15Ts, and giving them the nickname "baby tunnel motors".^[1] A number of GP15-1s remain in service today for yard work and light road duty.